Leadership, Management & Team Working

A registered nurse delegates a task to a healthcare assistant. Where does accountability for the decision to delegate lie?

• AWith the ward manager only, as the person in charge of the ward that day
• BWith the registered nurse who delegated the task✓
• CWith the patient who received the care, once they have given consent
• DEntirely with the healthcare assistant who actually carried out the delegated task

Answer: The registered nurse remains accountable for the decision to delegate and must ensure the task is appropriate and the person is competent. The healthcare assistant is responsible for carrying out the task safely.

When delegating a task, which factor is most important for the registered nurse to confirm first?

• AThat the person delegated to is competent to perform it safely✓
• BThat the task is the least pleasant of the jobs left to do on the ward
• CThat there is no one else available on the ward to take the task on
• DThat handing the task over will save the registered nurse the most time

Answer: Safe delegation requires confirming the person has the competence to perform the task and the patient will not be put at risk. The NMC Code makes the delegating nurse responsible for ensuring this.

A newly qualified nurse is unsure about a complex decision during a busy shift. What does effective team working suggest they do?

• AMake the decision alone and say nothing about it to the rest of the team
• BSeek advice and support from a senior colleague✓
• CGuess to avoid appearing inexperienced
• DDelay all care until the next shift

Answer: Effective team working and the NMC Code support asking for help and seeking advice when unsure. Seeking timely support from senior colleagues protects patient safety and aids professional development.

A nurse leading a shift notices the ward is short-staffed and patient safety may be compromised. What is the most appropriate action?

• ACarry on through the shift without informing anyone, to avoid complaints
• BEscalate the staffing concern to the senior manager and document it✓
• CRefuse to provide any further care until the staffing level improves
• DSend patients home early to reduce workload

Answer: The NMC Code requires nurses to raise concerns about anything that may compromise safe care, including inadequate staffing. Escalating to management and documenting the concern is the responsible leadership action.

Which statement best describes good practice when raising a concern (whistleblowing) about patient safety?

• AConcerns should only be raised if you have absolute proof
• BConcerns should be raised promptly through the appropriate channels even if you are not certain✓
• CConcerns should be ignored if a colleague might be affected
• DConcerns are best kept anonymous on social media

Answer: The NMC Code expects nurses to raise concerns promptly and through the correct channels whenever they believe patient safety may be at risk. Certainty is not required, and concerns must never be aired on social media.