A nurse is assigning tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to the AP?

Rationale: A. Suctioning a new tracheostomy requires clinical judgment and sterile technique due to the high risk of airway compromise, bleeding, and hypoxia. It is a skilled nursing procedure and should only be performed by a licensed nurse or respiratory therapist, not assistive personnel (AP). B. Postmortem care is an appropriate task for assistive personnel. It involves providing respectful care of the body after death, including hygiene, positioning, and preparing the body for family viewing or transport. While the nurse may supervise or assist, APs are commonly delegated this task as it does not require clinical judgment. C. Removal of a nasogastric (NG) tube is a skilled nursing procedure that requires assessment of the client’s condition and potential complications such as aspiration or bleeding. It is not within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. D. Dressing changes for implanted central venous access devices require sterile technique and clinical assessment to prevent infection and complications such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). This is a nursing responsibility and cannot be delegated to APs.