Question

Inappropriate delegation may result in unsafe patient practices. An example of this would be

which of the following:
1. In the acute care setting delegating application of Neosporin to an unlicensed person
2. Delegating application of a splint on a patient knowing the unlicensed person has not be
trained in this activity
3. Delegating a nursing activity and not being available as a resource when it is being
performed
4. Delegating a procedure for which there is no written policy/procedure

A. None of these
B. All of these
C. Answers 1, 2, and 3 only
D. Answer 3 only

Answer 1

Inappropriate delegation in healthcare occurs when tasks are assigned to unlicensed or untrained individuals, or when there is a lack of guidance or written procedures. All provided options represent unsafe delegation practices that could endanger patients.

Step-by-step explanation:

Inappropriate delegation in a healthcare setting can lead to unsafe patient practices. Let's review the options given to determine what constitutes inappropriate delegation:

• Delegating the application of Neosporin to an unlicensed person could be unsafe because the task might require knowledge of medication application and wound care.
• Delegating the application of a splint by an unlicensed person who is not trained in this activity is clearly inappropriate. This requires knowledge of anatomy and the proper technique to avoid further injury.
• Delegating a nursing activity without being available as a resource for guidance can lead to iatrogenic diseases if the task is not performed correctly.
• Finally, delegating a procedure for which there is no written policy or procedure could result in unpredictable outcomes and potential harm to the patient.

When considering the potential for harm and the necessity for proper training and resources, we come to the conclusion that the correct answer is B - All of these are examples of unsafe delegation practices.