Which of the following is a key responsibility of the RN in a team setting?

In a team setting, the key responsibility of a registered nurse (RN) is conducting initial assessments and ongoing evaluations. This role is fundamental because it involves gathering comprehensive health information from patients upon their admission and systematically monitoring their progress throughout their care. The initial assessment allows the RN to establish a baseline understanding of the patient's condition, identify immediate needs, and devise an appropriate care plan.

Ongoing evaluations are critical in a team-oriented environment, as they enable the RN to track changes in the patient’s health status over time, determine the effectiveness of interventions, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to adjust the care plan as needed. This ensures that each patient receives personalized, high-quality care that aligns with their evolving health needs.

While administering medications, providing patient education, and performing routine tasks are also vital components of nursing practice, they often fit within the broader context of the assessment and evaluation responsibilities. The ability of the RN to assess and evaluate serves as the foundation for these other activities, emphasizing why this responsibility is central to the role of the RN in a team setting.