A nurse delegates a task to an assistive personnel (AP) who refuses to complete the task. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Rationale: A. Plan time to complete the task: While the nurse may need to complete the task if it remains undone, doing so without first addressing the AP’s refusal overlooks a potential communication or training issue and does not resolve the underlying problem. B. Assign the task to another AP: Reassigning the task without understanding the reason for refusal may perpetuate noncompliance and disrupt team dynamics. It is important to first clarify why the AP is unwilling before redirecting the task. C. Notify the charge nurse immediately: Escalating to the charge nurse is appropriate if the issue cannot be resolved directly. However, the first action should be to attempt communication and resolution with the AP to encourage accountability and collaboration. D. Discuss the AP's concerns about the task: This is the most appropriate initial response. By opening a discussion, the nurse can identify whether the refusal stems from a misunderstanding, lack of training, or legitimate concern, allowing for timely correction or education.