Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 91%
Simulated
A charge nurse is delegating tasks to nursing personnel on a 10-bed medical-surgical nursing unit. Which of the following assignments is an example of overdelegation?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Assigning a new graduate nurse to perform a wet-to-dry dressing change. This assignment is an example of overdelegation because a wet-to-dry dressing change requires specialized knowledge and skills that a new graduate nurse may not possess. Wet-to-dry dressing changes involve assessing wound conditions, applying dressings correctly, and monitoring for signs of infection or complications. A new graduate nurse may not have had enough experience or training to perform this task safely and effectively.
Choice A is not overdelegation because glucometer monitoring is a routine task that can be safely delegated to a competent AP. Choice B is not overdelegation as ambulating clients is a task that can be shared among multiple personnel to ensure client safety. Choice D is not overdelegation as performing a central line dressing change requires advanced skills that a competent RN would possess.
Choice A is not overdelegation because glucometer monitoring is a routine task that can be safely delegated to a competent AP. Choice B is not overdelegation as ambulating clients is a task that can be shared among multiple personnel to ensure client safety. Choice D is not overdelegation as performing a central line dressing change requires advanced skills that a competent RN would possess.