When is it permissible for a nurse to leave a patient unattended in Texas?

The correct answer is that a nurse may leave a patient unattended when the patient is stable and their needs are met. This determination is based on the principle of patient safety and the responsibility of the nurse to ensure that the patient's condition does not require ongoing supervision or intervention at that moment.

In practice, this means that if the patient is in a stable condition, has no immediate needs, and there is a clear plan in place (such as a supportive environment or appropriate monitoring), it can be appropriate for the nurse to step away briefly. This approach aligns with the standards of nursing practice, where the focus is always on ensuring safety and well-being while managing workload effectively.

In contrast, leaving a patient unattended solely during lunch breaks, during shift changes, or based on a patient’s request does not necessarily guarantee that the patient’s safety is assured. Lunch breaks should be managed through effective coverage strategies, shift changes require proper handoff to ensure continuity of care, and a request from a patient does not take precedence over the clinical judgment regarding their safety and stability.