RN Nursing · Delegation and Supervision · Practice question
Which statement is true regarding the general delegation liability of the registered nurse (RN)?
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It is reduced when the RN delegates appropriately and supervises the completion of the tasks.
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It is avoided entirely as long as the nurse delegates only other licensed personnel.
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It is high because the RN is automatically held liable for the tasks delegated to all recognized subordinates.
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It is minimal because subordinates alone are held accountable for practicing within the accepted scope of practice for their
Answer & explanation
Correct: It is reduced when the RN delegates appropriately and supervises the completion of the tasks.
When a registered nurse delegates appropriately — selecting the right task, the right person, providing clear instructions, and then supervising the outcome — the nurse's liability is reduced because the delegation followed accepted standards. Liability is not eliminated entirely, but it is minimized when all elements of safe delegation are met. The RN retains supervisory accountability, meaning they must still monitor how delegated tasks are performed. Option B is incorrect because delegating only to licensed personnel does not automatically eliminate liability; the RN must still ensure the delegation was appropriate and supervision was adequate. Option C overstates the matter: the RN is not automatically fully liable for every action taken by a subordinate; liability depends on whether the delegation was appropriate. Option D understates the RN's responsibility. Subordinates are accountable for their own practice within their scope, but the RN remains responsible for the overall delegation decision and ongoing supervision. Understanding that appropriate delegation plus active supervision is the mechanism by which liability is reduced — not eliminated — is the key principle nurses must apply in leadership and management roles.
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