NCLEX Delegation Questions: RN, LPN/VN, and UAP Responsibilities

Delegation questions ask whether a task can be assigned safely and what follow-up remains the registered nurse’s responsibility. Delegation is part of Management of Care, which represents 15–21% of the 2026 NCLEX-RN test plan. Start with the scenario and the current rules that apply; job titles alone do not determine scope.

Work through five questions

1. What is the task? Is it predictable and clearly defined, or does it require assessment, judgment, teaching, or evaluation?
2. What is the client’s condition? A changing or unstable situation may require direct RN attention.
3. Who is being asked to do it? Consider the person’s role, demonstrated competence, and the task’s permitted scope.
4. What instructions and communication are needed? The delegatee needs clear expectations for what to report and when.
5. What supervision and evaluation are required? Delegating a task does not remove the need to monitor the client and follow up on the outcome.

Read the stem carefully

An item may ask what an RN can delegate to assistive personnel, what an LPN/VN can perform, or which activity the RN must keep. Focus on the client’s stability and the judgment involved. Do not rely on an absolute rule such as “never delegate” or “routine tasks are always safe”; the scenario and applicable rules matter.

Scope of practice is jurisdiction-specific

NCSBN notes that delegation laws and regulations differ across jurisdictions. The NCSBN delegation resource explains the national guidance and directs nurses to the rules that apply where they practice. For a licensure exam question, use the role definitions and facts provided in the item; for real practice, follow the applicable nurse practice act, regulations, employer policy, and supervision requirements.

Review your reasoning

When you miss a delegation question, write down which factor you overlooked: client stability, the nature of the task, role or competence, communication, or follow-up. Then practice another item and explain why the RN retains accountability for appropriate oversight.

Use Nexclex free NCLEX-style practice to work through questions and rationales. For context on where management of care fits in the blueprint, see the 2026 NCLEX-RN test-plan guide.

Sources: 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan; NCSBN Delegation. Educational content only; it does not establish scope in a particular jurisdiction.