1. Accountability can be defined as:
A. reliability, dependability, and obligation to work
B. a right to delegate
C. a legal liability for actions

2. The five rights of delegation include all below except:
A. right task
B. right circumstance
C. right person
D. with direction and communication
E. with right supervision
F. at the right time

3. It is not appropriate to delegate the following to an unlicensed practitioner:
A. medication administration
B. specimen collection
C. measurement of intake and output
D. monitoring of vital signs

Answers to Study Questions

1. C. Accountability as it relates to the practice of nursing means that a nurse in responsible for his/her actions and related outcomes and consequences. For example, nurses are accountable for adhering to the state nurse practice act, organizational policies, and procedures and professional practice standards.

2. F. When choosing to delegate the right task it is important to consider organizational policy, state nurse practice act, job descriptions, competency, and training of staff that may be involved. The right circumstance helps to determine if staff understands the procedure or task and if they are competent to follow through. It is paramount to entrust care within legal parameters to a qualified person based upon the patient’s condition. Clear direction needs to be spelled out and outcomes communicated regarding the expected tasks. Finally, supervision is determined based upon staff member’s ability to handle the task and the patient’s response.

3. A. Unless state law dictates otherwise, medication administration may only be delivered by licensed individuals.