An RN is delegating care activities to a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Which of the following is the priority criterion the RN should consider when delegating?

Rationale:

A. A client who has Guillain-Barre syndrome requires close monitoring and specialized care due to progressive weakness and potential respiratory issues. This client's care may involve more complex needs that are beyond the AP's scope.

B. A client who has a lumbosacral spinal tumor is likely to have fewer immediate needs related to eating assistance, making this task appropriate to delegate to the AP. The client’s primary concern may be mobility or pain management, but meal assistance is a routine task.

C. A client who has systemic sclerosis may have issues with gastrointestinal motility and swallowing, requiring more careful feeding assistance and monitoring, which should be performed by the nurse.

D. A client who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) requires specialized care for swallowing difficulties and respiratory issues, making it inappropriate to delegate meal assistance to the AP.

Rationale:

A. Asking about discharge is a general inquiry that does not require immediate follow-up unless it’s related to specific discharge planning.

B. Changing the dressing is a routine postoperative care task and doesn’t necessarily require follow-up unless there’s a concern about the procedure.

C. Not receiving medications is a critical issue that needs immediate attention to address potential gaps in treatment.

D. Not knowing how to use the remote control is a minor issue that does not require clinical follow-up.