What is a potential consequence of improper delegation?

The potential consequence of improper delegation that stands out is the legal repercussions for the nurse. When a nurse delegates tasks, they retain the responsibility for ensuring that those tasks are performed safely and effectively. If a delegation is not properly executed—such as assigning a task to someone without the appropriate qualifications or failing to provide proper oversight—the nurse could be held liable for any negative outcomes resulting from that action. This may include lawsuits or disciplinary actions from their employer or licensing board, depending on the severity of the situation.

In contrast, options such as improved client satisfaction or reduced training costs do not typically arise from improper delegation; these results are more likely from effective and responsible delegation. The increased workload for the nurse may occur in some cases due to improper delegation, but it is not a direct consequence that would happen in all situations, nor is it as severe as legal repercussions. Thus, legal liability stands out as the most significant risk associated with improper delegation.