What is a nurse's role in delegation?

• A. UAP can perform any task as long as requested by the patient.
• B. The RN delegates without supervision to reduce workload.
• C. LPN independently assigns tasks to UAP without supervision.
• D. The RN assigns tasks within scope of practice, supervises, and ensures patient safety.

Answer: (D)

Delegation in nursing means the nurse decides which tasks can be safely handed off to other team members, based on each person’s scope of practice and competency, while maintaining accountability for the patient’s care. The nurse must provide clear instructions, ensure appropriate supervision, and continuously monitor to protect patient safety.

The best answer reflects this: the RN assigns tasks that are within the other person’s scope of practice, provides supervision, and ensures patient safety. This recognizes that the RN remains responsible for the overall care plan, coordinates who does what, and steps in if conditions change or safety is at risk.

In practice, unlicensed assistive personnel can handle routine activities and basic care under supervision; licensed practical nurses can perform many nursing tasks but still operate under the RN’s oversight; the RN conducts the assessment, determines which tasks are appropriate for delegation, communicates expectations, and checks outcomes.