Question

When considering supervisory responsibilities, the registered nurse (RN) must recognize that:

a) Delegated tasks must be routine and require minimal judgment.
b) UAPs can independently make decisions regarding patient care.
c) The RN is ultimately responsible for the care provided by UAPs.
d) The RN should delegate tasks without providing clear instructions.
e) Supervision of UAPs is not necessary if the tasks are within their scope of practice.

Answer 1

The registered nurse is ultimately responsible for the care provided by Unlicensed Assistive Personnel, and must provide clear instructions while supervising delegated tasks, regardless of the UAPs' scope of practice.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering supervisory responsibilities, the registered nurse (RN) must recognize that:

• Delegated tasks must be routine and require minimal judgment.
• UAPs (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel) cannot independently make decisions regarding patient care.
• The RN is ultimately responsible for the care provided by UAPs. This includes tasks like providing direct supervision during procedures such as dialysis treatments, ensuring the preparation and sterility of solutions and equipment, as well as monitoring and responding to a patient's vital signs and needs.
• The RN should delegate tasks while providing clear instructions and ensuring the UAPs understand the tasks.
• Supervision of UAPs is necessary, even if the tasks are within their scope of practice. This is exemplified by the collective care and review of a patient post-surgery by the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional, emphasizing a team approach to patient recovery.

Therefore, the correct answer is that the RN is ultimately responsible for the care provided by UAPs.