A nurse is assigning tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to the AP?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Change a dressing on an implanted central venous access device: This is a sterile procedure that requires assessment skills and knowledge of infection control. It must be performed by a licensed nurse, not an assistive personnel (AP). B. Suction a new tracheostomy: Suctioning a new tracheostomy is a high-risk procedure requiring specialized knowledge to prevent hypoxia or trauma. Only a licensed nurse should perform this intervention. C. Perform postmortem care: Postmortem care is within the scope of practice for an AP. It involves cleansing, positioning, and preparing the body for the family or mortuary, and does not require advanced clinical judgment or sterile technique. D. Remove an NG tube: Removal of a nasogastric tube requires assessment and understanding of client tolerance and potential complications, which are responsibilities of a licensed nurse. It is not appropriate to delegate this task to an AP.