Question

Which healthcare professional does the nurse know is authorized to delegate work to other healthcare members?

a) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
b) Registered Nurse (RN)
c) Nurse Manager
d) Physician

Answer 1

A Registered Nurse (RN) is the healthcare professional with the authority to delegate tasks to other healthcare team members, within the scope of their practice and based on the situation at hand.

Step-by-step explanation:

The healthcare professional that a nurse knows is authorized to delegate work to other healthcare team members is the Registered Nurse (RN). An RN has the authority and responsibility to delegate tasks to other team members, such as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), based on their judgment of the patient's condition, the competencies of the healthcare team members, and the complexity of the task.

It is important for a nurse to understand the scope of practice for each member of the healthcare team to ensure that tasks are delegated appropriately. Incorrect delegation can lead to poor patient outcomes, legal ramifications, and violations of state nursing practice acts.

Answer 2

The Registered Nurse (RN) is the healthcare professional authorized to delegate work to other healthcare team members. RNs are responsible for assigning tasks based on various factors and ensuring that care is delivered safely. The scope of practice and delegation rules for RNs may vary by location and institution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Within the healthcare setting, when considering which healthcare professional is authorized to delegate work to other healthcare team members, the correct answer is b) Registered Nurse (RN). Registered Nurses have the education, authority, and responsibility to delegate tasks to other nursing and healthcare staff, such as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Nursing Assistants (NAs), ensuring that care is delivered safely and effectively. The delegation process involves the RN using their professional judgment to assign tasks based on the abilities of the team members, the complexity of the tasks, patient needs, and the context of care. The RN is accountable for the decision to delegate and for the overall management of care.

However, it's important to note that they cannot delegate tasks that fall uniquely within the scope of a higher-level healthcare professional like a Physician or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). The scope of practice for RNs and the rules about delegation vary by state and facility policy, but generally, RNs play a vital role in coordinating patient care and ensuring that delegated tasks are completed appropriately.