NCLEXprioritization-delegation-and-assignment
Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment
Learn how to decide who needs care first, what can be delegated, and what must stay with the nurse.
Core Decision Rule
- Stabilize first, then optimize - address airway, breathing, circulation, acute change, and safety before routine tasks.
- New or worsening symptoms beat stable chronic problems - a sudden change deserves faster attention than a predictable condition.
- Delegate the task, not the judgment - tasks may move to assistive personnel, but assessment, teaching, and evaluation stay with the RN.
What the Nurse Keeps
- Initial assessments and triage
- Clinical judgment for unstable patients
- Patient teaching and discharge instructions
- Evaluation of response to interventions
- Medication titration and high-risk IV decisions
What Can Be Delegated
- Routine vital signs on stable patients
- Ambulation and hygiene
- Intake and output collection
- Basic specimen collection when allowed by policy
- Reinforcement of previously taught information
High-Value NCLEX Pattern
When two answers both seem helpful, choose the one that addresses the most immediate threat to life or safety.
Flashcards
Card 1 of 4
Question
What is the first priority when multiple patients need attention?
Click or press Space to reveal answer
Answer
Address the patient with the most immediate threat to airway, breathing, circulation, or safety.
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