Free NCLEX delegation questions — RN, LPN, and UAP scope
Four free NCLEX-RN delegation questions using the NCSBN 5-rights framework. Knowing what can and cannot be delegated to LPNs and UAPs is foundational to the Management of Care category — the largest single category on the test.
The NCSBN 5 rights of delegation
- Right task. Routine, predictable tasks can be delegated. Assessment, teaching, evaluation, and judgment-based interventions cannot.
- Right circumstance. The client must be stable. Unstable clients stay with the RN.
- Right person. Match the task to the scope and competence of the LPN or UAP receiving it.
- Right direction/communication. Give specific instructions including how, when, and what to report.
- Right supervision/evaluation. Follow up. Verify the task was completed correctly.
What RNs can delegate
- To LPNs: medication administration to stable clients (oral, IM, subcutaneous; some states allow IV push), dressing changes, ostomy care, foley insertion, NG insertion, tube feedings, reinforcing teaching done by RN.
- To UAPs: routine vital signs on stable clients, ADLs (bathing, grooming, toileting), ambulation, positioning, feeding (without swallow precautions), I&O measurement, weights, specimen collection.
What RNs cannot delegate
- Assessment — including initial pain assessment, post-procedure assessment, neuro checks, and any new finding.
- Teaching — original patient or family teaching. LPNs may reinforce but not initiate.
- Evaluation — judging whether interventions worked or a client is improving.
- Care of unstable clients — anyone newly admitted, immediately post-op, or actively decompensating.
- Blood administration in most states.
- IV push medications from RN-only drug lists (vasoactives, chemo, sedatives).
Assignment vs delegation
Assignment is giving a task within someone's normal scope. Delegation is giving a task outside their normal scope but that they're competent to perform under supervision. NCLEX usually uses these terms loosely — both follow the 5 rights.
The acuity rule for assignments
Match the most experienced RN to the highest-acuity client. Newly admitted, hemodynamically unstable, post-procedure within 24 hr, and complex psych or oncology clients all warrant experienced staff. Stable post-op day 3 or routine medical clients can go to newer staff.
Try these 4 questions now
No signup required. Tap an answer to reveal the rationale.
- Question 1 · Delegation · MCQ
Which task is appropriate to delegate to an LPN working under an RN?
- a.Initial assessment of a newly admitted client
- b.Administration of a routine oral antibiotic to a stable client
- c.Teaching a client about a new diabetes diagnosis
- d.Evaluation of a client's response to a blood transfusion
Show answer + rationale
Correct: B. LPNs can administer oral medications to stable clients and reinforce teaching done by the RN. Initial assessment, original teaching, and evaluation of complex responses remain RN responsibilities. Always verify against your state's nurse practice act.
- Question 2 · Delegation · MCQ
A charge nurse is reviewing assignments. Which task should NOT be delegated to a UAP?
- a.Recording intake and output for a stable client
- b.Ambulating a client recovering from a hip replacement on post-op day 2
- c.Assessing a client's pain level before pain medication
- d.Bathing a client with stable vital signs
Show answer + rationale
Correct: C. Pain assessment requires nursing judgment and cannot be delegated. The other tasks are routine, predictable, and appropriate for UAP. The five rights of delegation: right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction, right supervision.
- Question 3 · Delegation · MCQ
Which client should be assigned to the most experienced RN?
- a.Stable post-op day 3 client awaiting discharge teaching
- b.Newly admitted client with chest pain and ST changes on EKG
- c.Client receiving routine IV antibiotics
- d.Client with a chronic wound needing daily dressing change
Show answer + rationale
Correct: B. Newly admitted, unstable clients with potential cardiac emergencies need the most experienced RN. The other clients are stable and predictable. Assignment rules: complexity, instability, and acuity drive the experienced-nurse assignment.
- Question 4 · Delegation · MCQ
Which task is most appropriate for the nurse to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
- a.Assessing a new admission's pain level
- b.Teaching insulin injection technique
- c.Recording intake and output for a stable client
- d.Evaluating wound healing on a postoperative client
Show answer + rationale
Correct: C. Delegation rules: routine, predictable tasks for stable clients can go to UAP. Assessment, teaching, and evaluation are nursing process steps that require nursing judgment and cannot be delegated. I&O for a stable client is a measurable, repeatable task with no clinical judgment required.
These are 5 of 5,000+ NCLEX questions in the Clarity bank. The full bank includes real NGN case studies, bow-tie items, AI tutor follow-up, and 5 readiness exams.
Get 5,000+ more questions free for 10/day →Frequently asked questions
Can RNs delegate assessment?
No. Assessment requires nursing judgment and is the responsibility of the RN. UAPs may collect data (vitals, I&O), but interpretation and assessment remain with the RN.
What can LPNs do that UAPs cannot?
LPNs can administer medications, perform sterile procedures, change dressings, insert foleys and NGs, and reinforce teaching. UAPs cannot do any of these — they're limited to routine, predictable tasks for stable clients.
Who should care for an unstable client?
The most experienced RN available. Unstable clients require nursing judgment, rapid response capability, and frequent reassessment — outside the scope of LPNs and UAPs.
How do I memorize delegation rules for NCLEX?
Three rules: (1) assessment, teaching, evaluation = RN only; (2) routine + stable = UAP eligible; (3) medications + procedures for stable clients = LPN eligible. Memorize these three filters and most questions fall into place.