Biology Forums - Study Force

The preceptor nurse delegates a complex nursing procedure to a newly licensed nurse. The new nurse makes an error, which results in the patient's death. Does the preceptor hold any liability in this case?
 
  1. Yes, but only because the event resulted in patient demise.
  2. Yes, the preceptor is responsible for delegating appropriately and supervising completion of tasks.
  3. No, since the new nurse has a license, all liability is retained by the new nurse.
  4. No, since the new nurse is employed by the medical facility, all liability is corporate.

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In which scenario is the nurse providing indirect supervision of a nursing assistant?
 
  1. The nursing assistant and nurse work on the same team, jointly providing care to inpatients.
  2. The nurse is easily contactable by pager but is not present in the care environment.
  3. The nurse makes rounds on the patient care units, observing the nursing assistant's work, at least every two hours.
  4. The nursing assistant receives constant instruction regarding patient care from the nurse.

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A newly hired nursing assistant can work only when under direct supervision by a registered nurse. In which way can this assistant provide care?
 
  1. The nursing assistant charts care in the patient's medical record and the nurse reviews that charting on a regular basis.
  2. The nursing assistant provides hygienic care according to protocols approved by the nurse.
  3. The nurse and the nursing assistant work together to provide care to a team of six patients.
  4. The nurse is available on the unit while the nursing assistant provides care.

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The registered nurse has delegated the task of ambulating a patient to two nursing assistants. The patient appears to ambulate without assistance, but must be ambulated with two assistants due to a history of unexpected fall.
 
  What is the most important aspect of delegating this task? 1. The aides understand the importance of walking with the patient.
  2. The patient is comfortable walking with the aides.
  3. The aides understand the patient is to be ambulated twice daily.
  4. The patient understands the need for assistance.

2
Rationale: The fact that the event resulted in patient demise is not the deciding factor is whether the preceptor holds liability.

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2
Rationale: Since the nurse and the assistant are jointly providing care the nurse is providing direct supervision.

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3
Rationale: While this is a method of supervision, it is not direct supervision.

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1
Rationale: Based on the five rights of delegation, the most important aspect is that the aides are given the correct directions and communications about keeping this patient safe.

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