A nurse recommends that a group of newly licensed nurses read current nursing research to maintain professional competence.
Maintaining competence supports which of the following aspects of professional nursing practice?

Choice A rationale

Caring for additional clients due to another nurse's absence is an example of workload redistribution or staffing adjustment, not delegation. Delegation involves entrusting a task that is within the scope of practice of the delegator to another individual who is competent to perform it, not simply taking on more tasks oneself.

Choice B rationale

Providing a shift report to oncoming staff is a fundamental communication responsibility of a professional nurse. This involves transferring essential client information to ensure continuity of care and is not considered a delegated task. It is an act of professional accountability.

Choice C rationale

Asking an assistive personnel (AP) to assist a client to the bathroom is a classic example of delegation. The nurse retains accountability for the client's overall care but can appropriately assign this task, which falls within the AP's scope of practice and does not require complex nursing judgment, while maintaining supervision.

Choice D rationale

Administering medications is a core responsibility of a licensed nurse and typically cannot be delegated to assistive personnel due to the high level of nursing judgment, assessment, and critical thinking required to ensure client safety and therapeutic outcomes. This falls within the licensed nurse's professional scope.

Choice A rationale

Directly asking a colleague if they are impaired is not the most appropriate initial action as it can lead to defensiveness or denial and may not effectively address the safety concerns. The priority is patient safety, which requires reporting to a higher authority who can intervene objectively and professionally.

Choice B rationale

Notifying the nurse manager is the most appropriate action. The nurse manager has the responsibility and authority to address concerns about a chemically impaired colleague. They can initiate the proper procedures, including investigation, intervention, and referral to employee assistance programs, ensuring patient safety and colleague support.

Choice C rationale

Contacting risk management is not the immediate first step. While risk management might become involved later, the direct supervisor or nurse manager is the initial point of contact for personnel issues that pose a potential risk to patient safety. The manager can then involve other departments as needed.

Choice D rationale

Confronting the colleague directly about the suspicion is generally not advisable. This approach can be confrontational, potentially escalating the situation without resolving the underlying issue. It may also violate professional boundaries and lacks the formal authority needed for effective intervention.