Can Geoff accept delegation from a physician assistant to perform a controlled act like diagnostic ultrasounds?

The correct answer is that a nurse can only accept delegation from a regulated health professional with legislated authority. This principle is grounded in the regulatory framework that governs healthcare in Ontario, particularly concerning controlled acts. Controlled acts are specific procedures outlined in the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) that certain health professionals are authorized to perform due to their training and competence.

In this scenario, with regard to diagnostic ultrasounds, it is essential that the person delegating this task holds the legal authority to do so. Physician assistants, while valuable members of the healthcare team, do not have the same legislated authority to perform all controlled acts as physicians do. Therefore, Geoff cannot accept the delegation from a physician assistant for this particular act.

The other options do not align with the legal and ethical framework guiding delegation in nursing practice. While it is important for nurses to possess the necessary knowledge and judgment (which is alluded to in the first choice), the primary factor is the authority of the individual who is delegating the task. Experience in performing a procedure does not grant the right to receive delegation from unauthorized sources either, which dismisses the viability of the third answer. Lastly, the assertion that only registered nurses (RNs) can perform diagnostic ultrasounds overs