Question

adherence to defined principles is recommended when delegating care tasks to assistive personnel. according to these principles, who is responsible and accountable for nursing practice?

• the nurse manager
• the units medical director
• the american/canadian nurses association
• the registered nurse

Explanation:

Identify core delegation principles

Using the Scope of Practice and Professional Accountability knowledge points, we analyze delegation guidelines established by professional bodies like the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). These principles dictate that while a task can be delegated, the professional responsibility and ultimate accountability for the clinical outcome and overall nursing practice cannot be transferred.

Determine the accountable individual

Using the Professional Accountability knowledge point, the licensed professional who delegates the task remains legally and professionally accountable for the care provided. Assistive personnel (AP) are responsible for performing the delegated task correctly, but the delegating clinician retains ultimate accountability for the assessment, planning, evaluation, and feedback of the nursing practice. Therefore, the registered nurse is the individual responsible and accountable.

Answer:

• The nurse manager
• The unit's medical director
• The American/Canadian Nurses Association
• The registered nurse (Correct answer)