Which task should the registered nurse delegate to the assistive personnel (AP) for daily patient care?

Which task should the registered nurse delegate to the assistive personnel (AP) for daily patient care?

• A. Instruct a client on his or her new diabetic diet
• B. Teach a client how to check his or her blood glucose
• C. Evaluate a newly admitted client's home medications
• D. Empty a client's urinary catheter bag

Answer: (D)

The task of emptying a client's urinary catheter bag is appropriate for delegation to assistive personnel because it is a routine procedure that involves basic nursing care skills. Assistive personnel are trained to perform such tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse. This action does not require complex critical thinking, nursing judgment, or in-depth clinical knowledge, making it suitable for delegation. In contrast, instructing a client on a new diabetic diet, teaching a client how to check blood glucose, and evaluating medications require a nursing assessment, knowledge of the patient's condition, and the ability to provide education tailored to the client's individual needs. These tasks involve a higher level of responsibility and judgment that falls within the scope of practice of a registered nurse, who is equipped to deliver comprehensive patient education and assessment.

The task of emptying a client's urinary catheter bag is appropriate for delegation to assistive personnel because it is a routine procedure that involves basic nursing care skills. Assistive personnel are trained to perform such tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse. This action does not require complex critical thinking, nursing judgment, or in-depth clinical knowledge, making it suitable for delegation.

In contrast, instructing a client on a new diabetic diet, teaching a client how to check blood glucose, and evaluating medications require a nursing assessment, knowledge of the patient's condition, and the ability to provide education tailored to the client's individual needs. These tasks involve a higher level of responsibility and judgment that falls within the scope of practice of a registered nurse, who is equipped to deliver comprehensive patient education and assessment.