A registered nurse has been leading teams of nursing assistive personnel (NAP) for several years and will soon be leading licensed practical nurses (LPNs) for the first time. In preparation for delegating to these nurses, the RN should:

A. While prioritizing tasks is important, simply instructing the team member to focus on the most necessary tasks does not address the root of the problem. It may not provide the support or resources needed to effectively manage their workload.
B. While this might seem helpful in the short term, it does not empower the team member or address the issue of workload management. Taking on too much responsibility can also lead to burnout for the RN and is not a sustainable solution.
C. This option does not consider the needs of the original team member and may disrupt teamwork or create additional stress for other staff. It’s important to address the workload collaboratively rather than simply redistributing it without context.
D. This is the best initial action. By examining the workload together, the RN can help the team member identify which tasks are most critical and which can be deferred or delegated. This approach fosters collaboration, empowers the team member, and ensures that patient care needs are met efficiently.

A. Battery refers to the intentional and unlawful physical contact with another person without their consent. In this scenario, the nurse did not intend to harm the patient; the action was accidental. Therefore, battery would not apply here.
B. Malpractice is a type of negligence that occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent nurse would provide in similar circumstances. Administering the wrong medication is a breach of duty, and if this mistake leads to harm (like an allergic reaction), the nurse can be held liable for malpractice.
C. Abuse generally refers to intentional harm or mistreatment of a patient, often involving physical or emotional harm. Since the nurse's actions were accidental and not intended to cause harm, this would not constitute abuse.
D. Assault involves the threat or attempt to cause physical harm to another person, creating a fear of imminent harm. Since the nurse did not intend to threaten or harm the patient, and the incident was not a threat, this does not fit the definition of assault.