Delegation is part of Management of Care, the biggest NCLEX-RN category (15-21%). Learn one rule and most questions get easier: the RN keeps anything that needs nursing judgment.
The 5 rights of delegation
- Right task: within the person's scope and job description.
- Right circumstance: the client is stable and the outcome is predictable.
- Right person: trained and competent for that task.
- Right directions and communication: clear, specific instructions.
- Right supervision and evaluation: the RN follows up and stays accountable.
Who does what
| Role | Typical tasks |
|---|---|
| RN only | Admission and initial assessment; initial teaching and discharge teaching; evaluation; care planning; unstable or new clients; starting a blood transfusion; IV push medications (per policy) |
| LPN/LVN | Stable clients with predictable outcomes; oral, IM, and subcutaneous meds; data collection; reinforcing teaching; sterile dressing changes; tube feedings; trach care on stable clients |
| UAP (CNA/tech) | Vital signs on stable clients; bathing, feeding (no swallowing risk), ambulating, positioning; intake and output; specimen collection; fingerstick glucose where policy allows |
Scope of practice varies by state and facility policy. The NCLEX tests general principles.
Remember EAT
The RN never delegates Evaluate, Assess, Teach. If an answer asks someone else to do one of these, it is usually wrong.
Common NCLEX traps
- "Stable" matters. A UAP can take vitals on a stable post-op client, not a client who just returned from surgery.
- Reinforcing teaching is fine for an LPN. Initial teaching is not.
- Delegating the task does not transfer accountability. The RN still answers for the outcome.
Practice delegation questions
Which task is appropriate for the RN to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
Rationale: UAP can collect routine vital signs on a stable client. Teaching, assessment, and evaluation require nursing judgment and stay with the RN.
Which client assignment is most appropriate for a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?
Rationale: LPNs care for stable clients with predictable outcomes and can give scheduled subcutaneous medications. New admissions, the start of a blood transfusion, and initial teaching require RN assessment and judgment.
The RN is working with an LPN and a UAP. Which task should the RN delegate to the UAP?
Rationale: Measuring intake and output on a stable client is within UAP scope. Reinforcing teaching fits the LPN. Checking an incision is assessment, and explaining a new diet is initial teaching, both of which stay with the RN.
More: all 41 free NCLEX practice questions.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the 5 rights of delegation?
Right task, right circumstance, right person, right directions and communication, and right supervision and evaluation.
What can an RN not delegate?
The RN keeps assessment, initial teaching, evaluation, care planning, and care of unstable or unpredictable clients.
Can an RN delegate to an LPN?
Yes, within the LPN scope in that state: stable clients with predictable outcomes, most oral, IM, and subcutaneous medications, data collection, and reinforcing teaching the RN started.