The nurse is caring for clients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Which task could the nurse safely delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

Choice A reason: Veracity is the principle of truthfulness and honesty. It involves providing accurate information to clients and being truthful in communication. While important in healthcare, veracity does not specifically address the nurse's failure to ensure the client's safety after administering a narcotic.

Choice B reason: Autonomy refers to respecting the client's right to make their own decisions about their care. While autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle, the scenario involves the nurse's responsibility to ensure safety, which falls under a different principle.

Choice C reason: Beneficence is the principle of acting in the best interest of the client by promoting good and preventing harm. Although related to the scenario, beneficence focuses more on the proactive aspect of providing care rather than preventing harm resulting from inaction.

Choice D reason: Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of "do no harm." The nurse violated this principle by discharging the client without ensuring they had a designated driver, leading to a motor vehicle collision and injuries. The nurse's action indirectly caused harm, violating the principle of nonmaleficence.

Choice A reason: The radiology department plays a crucial role in mass casualty incidents by providing imaging services to diagnose and assess the extent of injuries. Involving radiology in the drill planning process ensures that they are prepared to handle a sudden influx of patients.

Choice B reason: Hospital security is essential for managing crowd control, maintaining order, and ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors during a mass casualty incident. Their involvement in the drill planning process is necessary to coordinate security measures effectively.

Choice C reason: Hospital housekeeping is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation, which is especially important during a mass casualty incident to prevent the spread of infections and ensure a safe environment for patient care. Their participation in the drill planning helps prepare them for increased demands.

Choice D reason: The dietary department, while important for overall patient care, is not immediately critical in the context of a mass casualty drill. The focus of such drills is typically on urgent medical care, security, and logistical coordination.

Choice E reason: The registration department is vital for efficiently processing and documenting patient information during a mass casualty incident. Their involvement in the drill planning process ensures that they are prepared to handle a large number of patients quickly and accurately.