A nurse is planning to assign care activities to the assistive personnel (AP) on her team. Which of the following activities can the nurse assign to the AP? (Select all that apply.)
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationale Assistive personnel are trained to observe and report basic physical safety parameters for clients. Checking the position of a client in soft wrist restraints involves verifying that the client is comfortable and that the restraints are not visibly obstructing circulation or causing skin irritation. This task does not require clinical assessment or nursing judgment, provided the nurse has already performed the initial assessment and continues to monitor the client according to facility policy. Choice B rationale Sitting with a client who is no longer in the acute phase of withdrawal is a task appropriate for assistive personnel. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol usually peak within 48 to 72 hours and subside by day five. The AP can provide companionship and safety monitoring for a stable client who is past the high-risk window for seizures or delirium tremens. This task involves observation rather than active medical intervention or complex clinical evaluation by the nurse. Choice C rationale Assessing a client for exhaustion requires professional nursing judgment and a deep understanding of the physiological and psychological impact of hypomania. The nurse must evaluate vital signs, mental status, and physical stability to determine if the client is at risk for cardiovascular collapse or other complications. This level of clinical assessment cannot be delegated to assistive personnel because it involves interpreting subjective and objective data to formulate a specific plan of care. Choice D rationale Accompanying a stable client to a therapy session is a routine task that falls within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. The AP ensures the client reaches their destination safely and remains supervised during transport. Since the client has depression but is stable enough for occupational therapy, this activity focuses on mobility and safety rather than complex psychiatric intervention. It allows the nurse to prioritize higher-level tasks while ensuring the client is supported. Choice E rationale Setting limits with a client who is experiencing mania involves therapeutic communication techniques and behavioral management strategies that require professional nursing expertise. Clients with mania may be impulsive, aggressive, or intrusive, requiring the nurse to use clinical judgment to de-escalate situations and maintain a therapeutic environment. This is an intervention based on the nursing process and psychological theory, making it inappropriate for delegation to assistive personnel who lack advanced training.