A nurse asks an unlicensed assistant to help with discharging clients, since so many are going home at one time. The nurse states, "Can you help get these clients ready to go home by helping them pack?"

Question

Which option best describes the statement with regard to effective delegation?

1. The delegation is ineffective because the nurse has no authority to ask the
unlicensed assistant to help with client discharge.
2. Delegation could have been more effective had the nurse gone with the assistant to ensure that the assistant did the packing as requested.
3. The delegation is ineffective, since the nurse has no responsibility to pack the client's belongings.
4. Delegation would have been more effective had the nurse been more specific about which clients needed help and when the task should be completed.

Answer 1

Answer: 4
Rationale: Effective delegation occurs when the delegator gives specific information to the delegate about the requested task. The nurse's request was not specific enough. The nurse has ultimate responsibility to ensure that the client is ready for discharge, which includes packing their belongings as necessary. The nurse also has authority to ask for the assistance, but does not need to go with the assistant to ensure the task is completed.