Washington State Nurse Delegation Practice Test

To ensure safe delegation, it is essential for a registered nurse (RN) to complete required assessments and provide clear instructions. This approach allows the RN to evaluate the individual needs of the patient and determine which tasks can be safely delegated based on the qualifications and capabilities of the caregiver.

By conducting a thorough assessment, the RN identifies the specific needs of the patient as well as the skill level of the caregiver being delegated to. Clear instructions are crucial to help caregivers understand the expectations and the procedures they need to follow when performing delegated tasks. This reduces the risk of errors and enhances patient safety.

Delegating based on personal relationships or relying solely on caregivers’ prior experiences could potentially compromise patient safety, as these factors do not necessarily indicate whether a caregiver is qualified or able to perform a specific task competently. Performing all tasks oneself is not an efficient use of resources and can lead to burnout, thereby impacting the quality of care provided to patients.