Colorado CNA Practice Exam

In a nursing facility, what does it mean to delegate?

1. Complete a task independently

2. Follow the chain of command

3. Provide a diagnosis

4. Transfer the responsibility for a task to another team member

The correct answer is: Complete a task independently

In a nursing facility, delegation specifically refers to the process of transferring the responsibility for a task to another team member. This is crucial in a healthcare setting where teamwork and efficient task management are essential for providing quality patient care. Delegation allows nurses and other healthcare professionals to assign tasks based on the skills and qualifications of team members, promoting better workflow and patient safety. The act of delegation entails clear communication about the task, the expected outcomes, and the authority granted to the team member. This facilitates collaboration and ensures that all staff are utilized effectively based on their competencies. The other options revolve around different concepts—completing a task independently doesn't involve sharing responsibility, following the chain of command is about organizational hierarchy rather than task execution, and providing a diagnosis relates to clinical responsibilities rather than delegation itself.