Which statement accurately reflects the delegation guidelines between RNs and CNAs in patient care?

• A. RNs assess, plan, and supervise; CNAs perform basic care tasks under supervision; delegation must stay within CNA scope and exclude assessment/evaluation.
• B. CNAs can independently assess and develop care plans.
• C. RNs must only supervise medication administration; CNAs perform the rest.
• D. Delegation may include CNA assessment and evaluation with general supervision.

Answer: (C)

Understanding delegation in nursing practice hinges on keeping tasks within each role’s scope. The nurse is responsible for evaluating the patient, creating the plan of care, and supervising how it’s carried out. CNAs handle routine, basic care tasks under supervision and report any changes or concerns to the nurse. They do not perform assessments or develop care plans, and they do not administer medications or make clinical decisions about care. Medications and related decisions stay with the RN (and, where applicable, other licensed clinicians). Therefore, the statement that accurately reflects delegation guidelines is: RNs assess, plan, and supervise; CNAs perform basic care tasks under supervision; delegation stays within the CNA scope and excludes assessment and evaluation. The ideas that CNAs can independently assess, develop care plans, or handle medication administration do not fit these guidelines.