A charge nurse in an emergency department is assigning tasks. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to assistive personnel?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Transferring a client from bed to wheelchair is within the scope of assistive personnel, as it involves physical assistance and does not require clinical judgment. Delirium may cause confusion, but with proper supervision, assistive personnel can safely perform this task, ensuring the client’s mobility and comfort while adhering to safety protocols. Choice B reason: Obtaining a medication history from a client in a manic episode requires clinical judgment to interpret responses accurately, as mania can lead to disorganized or unreliable reporting. This task is complex and should be performed by a licensed nurse, not delegated to assistive personnel, to ensure accuracy and patient safety. Choice C reason: Inserting an NG tube is an invasive procedure requiring specialized training and assessment skills to avoid complications like aspiration or tissue damage. This task is outside the scope of assistive personnel and must be performed by a licensed nurse to ensure proper placement and client safety in acetaminophen toxicity treatment. Choice D reason: Informing a client about community services involves assessing the client’s understanding and tailoring information, which requires clinical judgment. Schizophrenia may impair comprehension, making this task inappropriate for assistive personnel. A licensed nurse should handle this to ensure effective communication and appropriate resource connection.