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)?

Choice A rationale Collection of a sputum specimen is a non-invasive task that can be safely delegated to assistive personnel. The process involves instructing the client to cough deeply and expectorate into a sterile container. Since this does not require complex clinical judgment, sterile technique for deep suctioning, or invasive maneuvers, it falls within the scope of practice for unlicensed staff. The nurse remains responsible for assessing the client's respiratory status before and after the procedure. Choice B rationale Testing stool for occult blood or collecting a simple fecal sample is a routine, standardized procedure. It involves transferring a small amount of stool to a collection device or reagent paper. This task does not require nursing assessment or specialized knowledge of pathophysiology to perform. Assistive personnel are trained to follow the necessary hygiene and labeling protocols, making this an appropriate delegation to maintain efficiency while the nurse focuses on more complex clinical care. Choice C rationale Collecting an arterial blood gas specimen is a highly invasive procedure that requires significant technical skill and clinical knowledge. It involves puncturing an artery, typically the radial artery, which carries risks of hematoma, nerve damage, or arterial occlusion. This task requires the specialized training of a nurse, respiratory therapist, or physician. Because of the potential for serious complications and the need for immediate site monitoring, it can never be delegated to assistive personnel. Choice D rationale Urinalysis specimen collection via the clean-catch midstream method or from a collection hat is a basic, non-invasive task. Assistive personnel are competent in providing the client with the necessary instructions for perineal cleansing and the midstream collection process. As long as the specimen is not being obtained via a newly inserted sterile catheter, which is a nursing responsibility, the AP can safely manage the collection, labeling, and transport of the urine sample. Choice E rationale Obtaining a wound culture is a sterile procedure that requires clinical judgment regarding the assessment of the wound bed. The nurse must identify the correct area of viable tissue to swab, often requiring the cleansing of surface debris first. Because it involves assessing the healing process, identifying signs of infection, and maintaining a strict sterile field to prevent cross-contamination, it is considered a complex task that must be performed by licensed nursing staff.