Nursing Prioritization Delegation Assignment Q 44
Which task is most appropriate to assign to the nursing assistant when an instantaneous death transpires in the ED? Select all that apply.
A. Assisting with postmortem care
B. Escorting the family to a place of privacy
C. Going with the organ donor specialist to talk to the family
D. Helping the family to collect belongings
Correct Answer: A. Assisting with postmortem care
Postmortem care demands some turning, cleaning, lifting, and so on, and the nursing assistant is equipped and authorized to assist with these responsibilities. The use of NAPs increasingly demands registered nurses to delegate patient care tasks according to the principles of the ANA. These principles define nursing delegation as the “transfer of responsibility for the performance of an activity from one individual to another while retaining accountability for the outcome.”
Option B: The RN should be responsible for the other duties mentioned to help the family begin the grieving process. The RN delegates only those tasks for which he or she believes the other health care worker has the knowledge and skill to perform, taking into consideration training, cultural competence, experience, and facility/agency policies and procedures.
Option C: Federal law mandates that only clinicians who completed certified training approach the family about organ donation. Physicians approaching families independently are associated with the lowest rate of consent. Hence, it is best practice for OPO staff to approach families together with the health care team.
Option D: In case of uncertain death, belongings may be preserved for evidence, so the chain of custody would have to be maintained. One nurse shall enter items to be handed over in the valuables book in the presence of a second staff member, and wherever possible in the presence of the patient. This is to protect staff in the event of a dispute.