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An emergency department nurse is caring for multiple patients during a busy shift. Which of the following tasks is most appropriate to delegate to a nursing assistant?

","descriptionHtml":"

The correct answer is taking vital signs. Delegation is a crucial skill for nurses to manage their workload effectively and ensure that all patients receive timely care. When delegating tasks, it's important to consider the skill level and scope of practice of the assistive personnel.

Taking vital signs is within the scope of practice for a nursing assistant and does not require the advanced assessment skills of a registered nurse. This task can be safely delegated while allowing the nurse to focus on more complex patient care activities.

Performing a focused assessment requires the skills and knowledge of a registered nurse and should not be delegated. Administering medications is also outside the scope of practice for a nursing assistant and must be performed by a licensed nurse. Obtaining informed consent involves explaining procedures and risks, which requires the expertise of a registered nurse or physician and cannot be delegated to assistive personnel.

By appropriately delegating tasks like vital signs to nursing assistants, emergency nurses can optimize patient care and workflow efficiency in the busy emergency department setting.

","answers":[{"id":2480724,"html":"

Administering oral medications

","isCorrect":false},{"id":2480725,"html":"

Obtaining informed consent for procedures

","isCorrect":false},{"id":2480722,"html":"

Taking vital signs

","isCorrect":true},{"id":2480723,"html":"

Performing a focused assessment

","isCorrect":false}],"textInput":null,"matching":null,"objectiveId":1788,"objectiveTitle":"Professional Issues","nextQuestionUrl":"/study/questions/bcen-cen-latest/which-bedside-clinical-finding-most-strongly-supports-a-diagnosis-of/22966?HideScore=false&ObjectiveMode=RoundRobbinObjectives","questionUrl":"/study/questions/bcen-cen-latest/an-emergency-department-nurse-is-caring-for-multiple-patients-during-a-busy/23407","followUpPrompts":[{"id":250773,"prompt":"Why is taking vital signs appropriate to delegate to a nursing assistant?","response":"Taking vital signs is a fundamental task that falls within the scope of practice for a nursing assistant. They are trained to accurately measure and document blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. This task does not require advanced critical thinking, assessment skills, or medical licenses, making it safe for delegation by the registered nurse. By delegating this, nurses can focus on higher-level tasks, such as assessments, clinical decision-making, and administering medications."},{"id":250774,"prompt":"What tasks are generally outside the scope of practice for a nursing assistant?","response":"Tasks outside of a nursing assistant's scope of practice typically include duties requiring advanced assessment, clinical judgment, or a professional license. Examples are performing a focused assessment, administering medications, and obtaining informed consent for procedures. These tasks demand expertise, knowledge of legal requirements, and decision-making, which falls under the responsibilities of licensed professionals such as registered nurses or physicians. Nursing assistants assist with patient care within predefined boundaries, such as hygiene, mobility, and monitoring vitals."},{"id":250775,"prompt":"How does appropriate delegation optimize workflow in emergency departments?","response":"Appropriate delegation ensures tasks are distributed based on skill level and scope of practice, enabling efficient use of resources. In a busy emergency department, this allows registered nurses to prioritize more complex and time-sensitive duties, such as managing critically ill patients, documenting care plans, and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams. Nursing assistants handle fundamental tasks, like taking vital signs, to support patient care. This reduces delays, prevents burnout, and ensures patients receive timely and safe care."}],"presentationMode":false,"hideFeedbackForm":false,"hideResponseBadges":false,"setId":null,"skipSaveResponse":false},"canVote":false,"streak":{"value":null,"title":null,"launchConfetti":false,"isRecord":false},"id":"crucial-react-9a7cbdc874894969b4eee1d676376375"}

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