When a nurse asks a nurse aide to perform a task, and the aide is unsure if it is within their scope of practice, what is the most appropriate action?

Question

Accepted Answer

Ask the nurse for clarification about whether the task is within the aide's scope of practice. A nurse aide should always ask for clarification about scope of practice when uncertain. This ensures patient safety and professional accountability. Simply obeying a request (A) is not appropriate if the task is outside scope. Refusing without dialogue (B) is unprofessional. Relying on what others have done (D) does not clarify actual scope of practice or facility policy.