True or False: An RN is fully accountable for a task after delegating it to an LPN.

The statement is false because, while a registered nurse (RN) does have a level of accountability for tasks they delegate to a licensed practical nurse (LPN), this does not equate to being "fully accountable" for the task. The RN retains responsibility for the overall care of the patient and must evaluate the appropriateness of the task for delegation.

Delegation involves transferring the responsibility for a specific task but does not eliminate the RN's professional accountability for the patient's care. They must ensure that the delegated task is appropriate for the LPN's education, experience, and scope of practice. This means that while the RN may oversee the task and is responsible for the outcomes, the LPN is accountable for carrying out the task correctly within their scope.

This nuanced understanding of delegation and accountability is critical in nursing practice, as it affirms the collaborative nature of healthcare while maintaining professional standards and patient safety.