In a case involving a client with epilepsy, which task indicates active delegation by the registered nurse (RN)?

In a case involving a client with epilepsy, which task indicates active delegation by the registered nurse (RN)?

• A. Instructing the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to place the oxygen mask
• B. Instructing the licensed practical nurse (LPN) to monitor the vital signs
• C. Instructing the LPN to administer medication
• D. Instructing the UAP to record the client's weight

Answer: (B)

The task that indicates active delegation by the registered nurse (RN) involves instructing the licensed practical nurse (LPN) to monitor the vital signs. Active delegation occurs when the RN assigns a task that requires the application of knowledge and skills, which is appropriate for the LPN's scope of practice. Monitoring vital signs includes assessing for changes that may indicate complications and requires clinical judgment for interpretation, making it a responsibility suited for a licensed nurse. In the case of the other options, while delegation can occur, they may not represent the same level of active decision-making or complexity. For example, instructing unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to place an oxygen mask and record weight are tasks that can typically be performed without significant clinical judgment. Additionally, directing an LPN to administer medication is more a matter of assignment rather than true delegation of responsibility, as this role is expected to perform such tasks routinely without the RN's direct oversight for each instance. Hence, the task involving vital signs best exemplifies active delegation, as it engages the LPN's expertise in a dynamic clinical context.

The task that indicates active delegation by the registered nurse (RN) involves instructing the licensed practical nurse (LPN) to monitor the vital signs. Active delegation occurs when the RN assigns a task that requires the application of knowledge and skills, which is appropriate for the LPN's scope of practice. Monitoring vital signs includes assessing for changes that may indicate complications and requires clinical judgment for interpretation, making it a responsibility suited for a licensed nurse.

In the case of the other options, while delegation can occur, they may not represent the same level of active decision-making or complexity. For example, instructing unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to place an oxygen mask and record weight are tasks that can typically be performed without significant clinical judgment. Additionally, directing an LPN to administer medication is more a matter of assignment rather than true delegation of responsibility, as this role is expected to perform such tasks routinely without the RN's direct oversight for each instance. Hence, the task involving vital signs best exemplifies active delegation, as it engages the LPN's expertise in a dynamic clinical context.