The registered nurse has delegated the task of ambulating a patient to two nursing assistants. The patient appears to ambulate without assistance, but must be ambulated with two assistants due to a history of unexpected fall. What is the most important aspect of delegating this task?
A) The aides understand the importance of walking with the patient.
B) The patient is comfortable walking with the aides.
C) The aides understand the patient is to be ambulated twice daily.
D) The patient understands the need for assistance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rationale 1: Based on the five rights of delegation, the most important aspect is that the aides are given the correct directions and communications about keeping this patient safe.
Rationale 2: Patient comfort is very important, but is not the most important aspect of this delegation.
Rationale 3: The frequency of ambulation is not the most important part of this delegation.
Rationale 4: Ideally the patient will understand the importance of this instruction, but this concept has nothing to do with delegation to the assistants.

The Registered Nurse Has Delegated the Task of Ambulating a Patient