Final answer:
Nursing diagnosis is a responsibility exclusive to the registered nurse and cannot be delegated to the licensed practical nurse, as it requires the RN's advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'The process of nursing diagnosis may be delegated to the licensed practical nurse' is false. Nursing diagnosis is a critical component of the nursing process and is the responsibility of the registered nurse (RN). The Nursing Process involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The steps of assessment and nursing diagnosis require advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills that are within the scope of practice of the RN, not the licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN).
While LPNs/LVNs are vital members of the healthcare team and have a significant role in the implementation and monitoring phases of patient care, it is the RN who must synthesize information and formulate the nursing diagnoses. The RN uses the diagnosis to set patient care goals and to plan for interventions. Therefore, it's essential for healthcare providers to understand the scopes of practice for RNs and LPNs/LVNs to ensure quality patient care and adherence to professional standards.