A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is delegating client care. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel?

Choice A reason: Information regarding organ donation is not part of advance directives, but rather a separate document that the client can sign to indicate their willingness to donate their organs or tissues after death. The nurse should inform the client about the option and process of organ donation, but not include it in the advance directives.

Choice B reason: Instructions regarding treatments the client desires or does not desire is part of advance directives, as it allows the client to express their preferences and values regarding their health care in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves. The nurse should help the client understand the benefits and risks of different treatments and document their choices in the advance directives.

Choice C reason: Information regarding the disposition of the client's body upon death is not part of advance directives, but rather a personal or legal matter that the client can arrange with their family or attorney. The nurse should respect the client's wishes regarding their body after death, but not include it in the advance directives.

Choice D reason: A form with directions for contacting next of kin is not part of advance directives, but rather a routine document that the client can fill out when they are admitted to the facility. The nurse should obtain the client's contact information and emergency contacts, but not include it in the advance directives.

The correct answer is: B.

Choice A reason:

Suctioning a client's long-term tracheostomy is a complex procedure that involves sterile technique and assessment skills that are beyond the scope of assistive personnel's practice. It requires clinical judgment and the ability to respond to complications, which are responsibilities typically reserved for licensed nursing staff.

Choice B reason:

Using a pain rating scale to monitor a client's pain level is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel. It involves asking the client to rate their pain on a scale, which does not require clinical judgment or advanced skills. The assistive personnel can then report the pain level to the nurse, who will make decisions regarding pain management.

Choice C reason:

Performing a dressing change on a client's peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is not within the scope of assistive personnel. This task requires aseptic technique and knowledge of PICC line management to prevent infection and other complications, which are typically the responsibility of the registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

Choice D reason:

Instructing a client on self-administration of a tap water enema involves teaching and assessment to ensure the client understands and can perform the procedure safely. This is a task that requires licensed nursing knowledge and skills to educate the client and evaluate their competency.