The concept that a nurse is accountable for their own actions and for the actions of those they delegate is called what?

• A. Responsibility
• B. Accountability
• C. Ethics
• D. Professionalism

Answer: (B)

Accountability means being answerable for your own actions and for the actions of those you delegate. In nursing, you often assign tasks to other team members, but you still hold ultimate responsibility for the care provided. This includes ensuring the person you delegate to is competent, giving clear instructions, and supervising and evaluating outcomes to safeguard patient safety. Responsibility is related but narrower, focusing on the duties you personally perform. Ethics deals with moral principles that guide what is right or wrong, and professionalism refers to the overall conduct and standards of practice. Therefore, accountability best captures the idea that you are answerable for both your own actions and the actions of those you delegate.