A nurse is delegating care tasks for a group of clients. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel?

Choice A reason: Inserting a nasogastric tube requires specialized knowledge and skill. It involves assessing the client’s gag reflex, airway protection, and verifying placement, often with radiographic confirmation. This procedure carries risks such as aspiration, airway trauma, or incorrect placement into the lungs. Because of these risks, it is considered a nursing responsibility and cannot be delegated to assistive personnel. Choice B reason: Converting a continuous IV infusion catheter to an intermittent infusion lock requires sterile technique and knowledge of vascular access. It involves flushing the catheter, maintaining patency, and preventing infection. These tasks require clinical judgment and are outside the scope of practice for assistive personnel. Choice C reason: Changing an appliance for a client who has an established ostomy is appropriate to delegate. Once the ostomy is established and stable, the task becomes routine and does not require complex assessment. Assistive personnel can safely perform this under the nurse’s supervision, as it involves hygiene, comfort, and routine care rather than advanced clinical judgment. Choice D reason: Evaluating the care of a client receiving speech therapy requires assessment skills and professional judgment. Evaluation involves determining progress, identifying barriers, and coordinating with the interdisciplinary team. This is a nursing responsibility and cannot be delegated to assistive personnel.