Which statement best describes the duty of a nurse?

The statement that best describes the duty of a nurse is that nurses are responsible for ensuring that delegated tasks are performed by certified personnel. This responsibility reflects the important role nurses play in patient safety and care coordination. Nurses are trained to assess patient needs, delegate appropriate tasks to qualified personnel, and maintain accountability for the overall care provided to their patients.

This duty includes verifying that these personnel possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and certifications to carry out the tasks effectively. By overseeing the performance of delegated tasks, nurses contribute to a safe healthcare environment, ensuring that care is delivered correctly and efficiently.

While providing emotional support to patients is certainly part of a nurse's role, it does not encompass the full scope of nursing duties, which are broader and include clinical responsibilities. Similarly, prescribing medications and conducting laboratory tests typically fall under the scope of practice for physicians or certain advanced practice registered nurses, rather than all nurses.