Final answer:
Inappropriate delegation by an RN occurs when tasks that require nursing judgment are handed off to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP), as these tasks can only be fulfilled by a licensed nurse or under direct supervision. The RN is responsible for ensuring tasks are delegated based on the delegatee's scope of practice and the acuity of the patient, and always with the focus on patient safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an RN is counseled by the nurse manager regarding inappropriate delegation, it refers to the RN having made a delegation decision that is not within the professional guidelines. The inappropriate action here is option a), where the RN delegates a task that requires nursing judgment to a UAP (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel). Nursing judgment is a critical component of patient care that can only be carried out by a licensed nurse (RN) or under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. Tasks that involve complex assessment or decision-making must be performed by those with adequate education and licensure to ensure patient safety.
It is important for an RN to delegate tasks appropriately based on factors such as the acuity of the patients, the scope of practice of the delegatee, and the training and competency of the individual. The RN must ensure the delegatee is capable of performing the task and that it does not require the specialized knowledge or judgment of a licensed nurse. In the context of tasks such as those involved in providing dialysis treatments, the RN would need to assess patient needs, monitor procedures, and prepare solutions and equipment to ensure accuracy and sterility. The RN must always focus on delivering safe patient care and must not delegate tasks inappropriately.