TX NJE - Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Delegation to Unlicensed Personnel Questions and Answers

Question 1

A registered nurse (RN) in a home health setting is caring for a client with a stable, predictable condition.
According to Texas BON Rule 225, which of the following tasks is strictly prohibited from being delegated to an Unlicensed Assistive Person (UAP)?

Accepted Answer

Performing a physical assessment to determine a change in the client's condition.

Answer

Reinforcement of health teaching that was previously provided by the RN.

Answer

Assisting the client with self-administered medications.

Answer

Assisting with tube feedings through a permanently placed gastrostomy tube.

Question 2

An RN working in an acute care hospital delegates the task of obtaining a routine blood glucose level on a stable diabetic patient to a UAP. The RN has already verified the UAP's competency. After the UAP performs the task, who retains ultimate accountability for the patient's overall outcome related to this task?

Accepted Answer

The delegating RN, who is accountable for the delegation process and the client's response.

Answer

The UAP, because they accepted the task and performed it.

Answer

The physician who ordered the blood glucose check.

Answer

The hospital administration, as they are the employer.

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios represents an inappropriate delegation of a nursing task by an RN to a UAP in an acute care setting under Texas BON Rule 224?

Accepted Answer

Delegating the administration of a routine oral pain medication to a patient who just requested it.

Answer

Delegating the collection and recording of intake and output on a post-operative patient.

Answer

Delegating the task of ambulating a stable patient to the restroom for the first time after surgery.

Answer

Delegating the task of performing a simple, non-sterile dressing change.

Question 4

According to the Texas Board of Nursing, the "Five Rights of Delegation" are critical for ensuring patient safety. Which of the following is NOT one of these five rights?

Accepted Answer

Right Documentation

Answer

Right Task

Answer

Right Circumstance

Answer

Right Person

Question 5

An RN determines the need to delegate a task and provides clear, concise instructions to a UAP, including the expected results and when to report back. This action by the RN fulfills which of the Five Rights of Delegation?

Accepted Answer

Right Direction/Communication

Answer

Right Supervision/Evaluation

Answer

Right Circumstance

Answer

Right Task

Question 6

An RN in a long-term care facility needs to delegate the task of feeding a resident with mild dysphagia. Before delegating this task to a UAP, which of the following is the most critical initial action for the RN to take according to BON Rule 224.6?

Accepted Answer

Perform a comprehensive nursing assessment of the client's current health status and stability.

Answer

Ensure the UAP has received facility-wide annual training on feeding residents.

Answer

Ask the client's family if they are comfortable with a UAP feeding the resident.

Answer

Document the delegation in the facility's administrative logbook.