Which task is appropriate to delegate to an assistive personnel on a medical-surgical unit?

Which task is appropriate to delegate to an assistive personnel on a medical-surgical unit?

• A. Administer medication to a client
• B. Change a wound dressing for a postoperative client
• C. Administer a large-volume enema to a client
• D. Perform a head-to-toe assessment on a client

Answer: (C)

The task of administering a large-volume enema is appropriate to delegate to assistive personnel on a medical-surgical unit because it falls within the scope of practice for trained nursing assistants or other assistive staff, provided that they have received the necessary training to perform this task. This procedure is typically a routine care measure and does not require the critical assessment skills of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. In contrast, administering medication, changing a wound dressing, and performing a head-to-toe assessment all involve complex clinical judgment, monitoring of the client’s condition, and potential implications on the client’s safety and health. These tasks require the specialized knowledge and decision-making capabilities of a licensed nurse, making them inappropriate for delegation to assistive personnel.

The task of administering a large-volume enema is appropriate to delegate to assistive personnel on a medical-surgical unit because it falls within the scope of practice for trained nursing assistants or other assistive staff, provided that they have received the necessary training to perform this task. This procedure is typically a routine care measure and does not require the critical assessment skills of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

In contrast, administering medication, changing a wound dressing, and performing a head-to-toe assessment all involve complex clinical judgment, monitoring of the client’s condition, and potential implications on the client’s safety and health. These tasks require the specialized knowledge and decision-making capabilities of a licensed nurse, making them inappropriate for delegation to assistive personnel.