A charge nurse is assisting in providing an in-service to a group of nurses about the benefits of an interprofessional team. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason: Irrigating and performing a dressing change for a client who has a pressure injury wound is not a task that the nurse should delegate to an AP. This task requires the nurse's clinical judgment, skill, and knowledge to assess the wound, select the appropriate dressing, and prevent infection. This task is also within the nurse's scope of practice, but not the AP's scope of practice.

Choice B reason: Administering oral PRN pain medication to a client who has arthritis is not a task that the nurse should delegate to an AP. This task involves the nurse's responsibility to evaluate the client's pain level, determine the need and the dosage of the medication, and monitor the client's response and side effects. This task is also within the nurse's scope of practice, but not the AP's scope of practice.

Choice C reason: Obtaining a daily weight on a client who has heart failure is a task that the nurse can delegate to an AP. This task is a routine and standardized procedure that does not require the nurse's clinical judgment, skill, or knowledge. This task is also within the AP's scope of practice, if the nurse provides clear directions and supervision.

Choice D reason: Reinforcing teaching the use of an incentive spirometer to a postoperative client is not a task that the nurse should delegate to an AP. This task involves the nurse's role to educate the client about the purpose, benefits, and technique of using the incentive spirometer, and to evaluate the client's understanding and compliance. This task is also within the nurse's scope of practice, but not the AP's scope of practice.

Choice A reason: This task is unsafe to assign to an AP, as it requires clinical judgment and critical thinking skills that are beyond the scope of practice of an AP. A confused surgical client who has multiple tubes may be at risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, or dislodgement of the tubes. The nurse is responsible for monitoring the client's condition, assessing the tubes' function and placement, and intervening as needed.

Choice B reason: This task is safe to assign to an AP, as it does not involve direct client care or clinical decision making. Providing postmortem care for a client who has died involves preparing the body for transport, removing any tubes or devices, and ensuring respect and dignity for the deceased and their family. The nurse should supervise and instruct the AP on how to perform this task according to the facility's policies and procedures.

Choice C reason: This task is safe to assign to an AP, as it is part of the basic care and comfort activities that an AP can perform under the nurse's delegation. Assisting a client to eat who has difficulty seeing the foods on the tray involves helping the client identify the food items, cutting or opening them if needed, and encouraging adequate intake. The nurse should ensure that the client has no dietary restrictions or swallowing difficulties before assigning this task to the AP.

Choice D reason: This task is safe to assign to an AP, as it is a routine and noninvasive procedure that an AP can perform under the nurse's direction. Delivering a client’s urine specimen to the laboratory involves labeling the specimen container, placing it in a biohazard bag, and transporting it to the designated area. The nurse should provide the AP with clear instructions on how to collect and handle the specimen.