As a registered nurse, choose the tasks you can delegate to a nursing assistant. Select all that apply

A. Basic oral care is a routine activity of daily living that falls within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. The nursing assistant can safely perform mouth care for stable patients to maintain mucosal integrity and prevent dental plaque accumulation. This task does not require advanced clinical judgment or the specialized assessment skills of a registered nurse to be completed. B. While assistive personnel frequently take vital signs, they should not do so for a patient experiencing acute physiological instability. Changes in clinical status require the registered nurse to personally assess the patient and interpret hemodynamic data in real-time. Delegating this task during a crisis could delay life-saving interventions because the assistant is not trained to analyze complex clinical trends. C. Completing an intravenous flush is considered a medication-related task that involves accessing a parenteral line and maintaining vascular patency. In most jurisdictions, the administration of any substance via the intravenous route is restricted to licensed nursing or medical staff. Nursing assistants are prohibited from performing invasive procedures or handling intravenous equipment to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance. D. Weighing a patient is a standardized, non-invasive data collection task that is appropriate for delegation to a nursing assistant. Accurate weight measurements are essential for monitoring fluid balance and calculating medication dosages, but the physical act of weighing does not require nursing licensure. The nurse remains responsible for ensuring the equipment is calibrated and interpreting any significant weight fluctuations. E. Suctioning a patient is an invasive procedure that involves maintaining a patent airway and requires continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation and respiratory effort. Because of the high risk for hypoxia, trauma, or vagal stimulation, this task must be performed by a licensed nurse or respiratory therapist. Assistive personnel do not have the training to manage the potential complications associated with airway suctioning. F. Changing wet-to-dry dressings involves wound assessment, evaluating the healing process, and maintaining a sterile or clean field. Wound care is a complex nursing intervention that requires the nurse to observe for signs of infection, granulation tissue, or dehiscence. Consequently, the application of prescribed medicated or complex dressings is not a task that can be delegated to unlicensed staff.