A nurse on a medical unit is planning the shift assignments. The nurse may delegate collection of which of the following specimens to an assistive personnel (AP)? (Select all that apply.)

A. Wound culture specimen: Collection of a wound culture requires sterile technique to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results. This procedure involves assessing the wound and using aseptic principles, which falls within the professional nursing scope. It cannot be safely delegated to an AP because it requires clinical judgment and specialized training. B. Arterial blood gas specimen: Obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) specimen is an invasive procedure that carries risks such as bleeding, arterial injury, or hematoma formation. It requires knowledge of anatomy, proper technique, and immediate assessment of complications, making it inappropriate for delegation to APs. C. Urinalysis specimen: Collection of a urine specimen is a noninvasive procedure that APs can safely perform. They can assist clients by providing containers, giving instructions for clean-catch collection, and ensuring proper labeling and handling for laboratory testing. Nursing judgment is not required for this task. D. Sputum specimen: APs can collect sputum specimens because the procedure is noninvasive and involves instructing the client to expectorate into a sterile container. Proper collection technique is important for lab accuracy, but it does not require nursing assessment or clinical decision-making, making it appropriate for delegation. E. Stool specimen for blood: APs can collect stool specimens for occult blood testing since it is a noninvasive task. They can provide the client with instructions, collect the sample, and ensure correct labeling, while the nurse maintains responsibility for interpretation and follow-up care.