Who is accountable for initial assessment and ongoing evaluation of client care?

The registered nurse (RN) is accountable for the initial assessment and ongoing evaluation of client care due to their comprehensive training and education in nursing practice. RNs are trained to conduct thorough assessments, which include collecting detailed health histories, performing physical examinations, and utilizing clinical judgment to interpret findings. This enables them to develop individualized care plans tailored to each client's needs.

Furthermore, RNs play a critical role in monitoring client progress over time. They are responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and adjusting care plans as necessary based on clients' changing conditions. This ongoing evaluation is essential for ensuring optimal patient outcomes and involves collaboration with other healthcare providers, but it is the RN who holds the primary accountability for the nursing aspects of client care.

Other roles, such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), primary healthcare providers, and unlicensed nursing personnel (UNPs), have important responsibilities in client care but do not hold the same level of accountability for conducting initial assessments and ongoing evaluations as RNs do. LPNs may assist with certain aspects of client care and carry out specific tasks under the supervision of RNs, while primary healthcare providers may focus on diagnosis and medical management rather than nursing assessments. UNPs typically have a more limited scope of practice, which does