# A nurse manager is teaching newly hired RNs the 5 Rights of Delegation framework based on ANA and NCSBN standards. Which statements correctly describe key elements of safe RN delegation? Select all that apply.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=368106&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Assignment/Delegation/Supervision  
> category: MOC

## Question

A nurse manager is teaching newly hired RNs the 5 Rights of Delegation framework based on ANA and NCSBN standards. Which statements correctly describe key elements of safe RN delegation? Select all that apply.

1

Right Direction/Communication — the RN provides clear, specific instructions including expected outcomes, time frame, and which abnormal findings the assistant must report immediately to the RN

2

Once verbal instructions are given, accountability for the delegated task is fully transferred from the RN to the UAP, and the RN no longer has supervisory responsibility for that task

3

Right Supervision/Evaluation — the RN periodically observes performance, provides feedback, and evaluates client outcomes; accountability for the nursing process remains with the RN even after delegation

4

Initial assessment of a deteriorating pressure injury or first-time teaching of a newly diagnosed unstable client may be delegated to a UAP if the unit is short-staffed and time-pressured

5

Right Person — any unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) may receive any task that does not require a license, regardless of the individual's training, experience, or recent skill check-off

6

Right Task — only routine, repetitive, predictable tasks within the assistant's scope of practice and verified competency may be delegated, such as ambulating a stable client or measuring routine vital signs

## Explanation

The 5 Rights of Delegation are Right Task, Right Circumstance, Right Person, Right Direction/Communication, and Right Supervision/Evaluation. Right Task limits delegation to routine, predictable tasks within verified scope and competency (Choice 6). Right Direction/Communication requires specific instructions, expected outcomes, time frames, and reportable findings (Choice 1). Right Supervision/Evaluation keeps the RN accountable for supervision and evaluation of outcomes (Choice 3). The RN verifies the individual assistant's competency (Choice 5), retains accountability for the nursing process (Choice 2), and does not delegate initial assessment, unstable-client teaching, or nursing judgment because of staffing pressure (Choice 4).

## In-depth explanation

5 Rights of Delegation (ANA/NCSBN)
1. Right Task: routine, repetitive, predictable; within scope + competency
2. Right Circumstance: stable client with predictable outcomes; appropriate setting/resources
3. Right Person: verify UAP training, experience, recent skill check-off for THIS task
4. Right Direction/Communication: clear instructions + expected outcome + time frame + what to report
5. Right Supervision/Evaluation: RN supervises, gives feedback, evaluates outcome — RN remains accountable

Accountability vs Responsibility
- Accountability: stays with RN for the nursing process and outcome
- Responsibility: UAP is responsible for performing the delegated task as instructed
Delegation transfers responsibility, NOT accountability

Never Delegate to UAP
- Initial assessment / first-time teaching
- Nursing judgment / planning / evaluation
- Unstable clients
- Complex sterile procedures (per state scope)

Memory Tip
"T-C-P-D-S: Task, Circumstance, Person, Direction, Supervision"

## Clinical scenario

Scenario
Nurse manager teaching newly hired RNs the 5 Rights of Delegation. Test items mix correct framework elements with common pitfalls (universal UAP interchangeability, accountability transfer, delegating complex tasks under staffing pressure).

Decision Map
1. Task fits scope? routine + predictable + within UAP competency → delegate
2. Right Person? verify training + recent competency for THIS task
3. Right Direction: specific instructions + report parameters
4. Supervise + Evaluate: RN remains accountable

Avoid
- Treating all UAPs as interchangeable
- Believing delegation transfers accountability
- Delegating initial assessment, teaching, unstable client tasks

## Key concepts

- **5 Rights of Delegation** — ANA/NCSBN framework guiding safe RN delegation: Right Task (routine, predictable, within scope), Right Circumstance (stable client, appropriate setting), Right Person (verify training and competency), Right Direction/Communication (specific instructions and report parameters), Right Supervision/Evaluation (ongoing oversight by RN). All five rights must be met for delegation to be safe and legally appropriate.
- **Accountability vs Responsibility (Delegation)** — In delegation, accountability for the nursing process — assessment, planning, evaluation, and client outcomes — never transfers from the RN. Responsibility for performing the specific delegated task as instructed transfers to the UAP/LPN. The RN remains legally and professionally accountable for selecting an appropriate task, choosing a competent person, providing clear direction, and supervising/evaluating performance.
- **Tasks That Cannot Be Delegated to UAP** — Initial nursing assessment, planning, evaluation; first-time teaching of unstable or newly diagnosed clients; tasks requiring nursing judgment or interpretation of clinical data; care of unstable clients with unpredictable outcomes; many sterile or invasive procedures (varies by state scope of practice). Staffing pressure does not change these limits — alternative coverage strategies must be used.

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