Which of the following statements accurately reflects the nurse's responsibility for patient outcomes in today's workplace?
A) Tasks can be delegated, but accountability cannot be delegated.
B) In today's environment, authority is more often given to management.
C) Most nurses who are accountable have the authority to affect the situation or effect change.
D) Nurses are protected against legal action being taken in cases of malpractice in the hospital
setting.
Ans: A
Tasks can be delegated, but accountability cannot; nurses who delegate tasks to
assistive personnel continue to be accountable for that care. Many nurses experience frustration
because they must be accountable for activities without the authority to affect the situation or
create change. Authority is often shared in contemporary care settings. Nurses are legally
responsible for the care they provide and are vulnerable to malpractice suits.
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