What task should be delegated by a nurse to a nursing assistant on a medical-surgical unit?

What task should be delegated by a nurse to a nursing assistant on a medical-surgical unit?

• A. Administering medications to patients
• B. Obtaining a client's vital signs prior to discharge
• C. Developing a care plan for a patient
• D. Conducting patient education on diabetes

Answer: (B)

Delegating the task of obtaining a client's vital signs prior to discharge is appropriate for a nursing assistant. Vital signs are fundamental data that assist in assessing a patient’s health status and can be measured by a nursing assistant who is trained to perform this task. This delegation allows the registered nurse to focus on more complex responsibilities that require their clinical judgment and expertise. In contrast, administering medications is a task that requires a nursing license and a comprehensive understanding of pharmacology, potential side effects, and patient-specific factors. Developing a care plan involves assessing a patient's needs and requires critical thinking and nursing knowledge, which falls within the scope of a registered nurse's role. Conducting patient education on diabetes necessitates an in-depth understanding of the disease and treatment options to ensure patients receive accurate and personalized information, making it another responsibility that should be handled by a nurse rather than a nursing assistant.

Delegating the task of obtaining a client's vital signs prior to discharge is appropriate for a nursing assistant. Vital signs are fundamental data that assist in assessing a patient’s health status and can be measured by a nursing assistant who is trained to perform this task. This delegation allows the registered nurse to focus on more complex responsibilities that require their clinical judgment and expertise.

In contrast, administering medications is a task that requires a nursing license and a comprehensive understanding of pharmacology, potential side effects, and patient-specific factors. Developing a care plan involves assessing a patient's needs and requires critical thinking and nursing knowledge, which falls within the scope of a registered nurse's role. Conducting patient education on diabetes necessitates an in-depth understanding of the disease and treatment options to ensure patients receive accurate and personalized information, making it another responsibility that should be handled by a nurse rather than a nursing assistant.