Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The correct answer is taking vital signs. Delegation is a crucial skill for nurses to manage their workload effectively and ensure that all patients receive timely care. When delegating tasks, it's important to consider the skill level and scope of practice of the assistive personnel.

Taking vital signs is within the scope of practice for a nursing assistant and does not require the advanced assessment skills of a registered nurse. This task can be safely delegated while allowing the nurse to focus on more complex patient care activities.

Performing a focused assessment requires the skills and knowledge of a registered nurse and should not be delegated. Administering medications is also outside the scope of practice for a nursing assistant and must be performed by a licensed nurse. Obtaining informed consent involves explaining procedures and risks, which requires the expertise of a registered nurse or physician and cannot be delegated to assistive personnel.

By appropriately delegating tasks like vital signs to nursing assistants, emergency nurses can optimize patient care and workflow efficiency in the busy emergency department setting.