An RN on a behavioral health unit is assessing a client. The RN plans to delegate part of the nursing process to a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Which of the following statements by the RN indicates appropriate delegation to the LPN?

A. This client needs IV pain medication, which requires advanced skills and knowledge to manage and administer safely. This situation involves complex and sensitive care, including pain management and end-of-life issues. RNs are typically responsible for administering IV medications, especially in critical or end-of-life situations.
B. A client who is 3 days postoperative and needs a dressing change generally requires a level of care that may be suitable for LPNs. LPNs are trained to perform dressing changes and manage postoperative wounds. However, if there are complications or concerns about the wound or the client’s condition, the RN should oversee or handle the situation.
C. Frequent ambulation can be managed by assistive personnel (AP) under the supervision of the RN. This task typically involves supporting and assisting the client with walking, which is within the scope of AP duties. LPNs can also assist with ambulation, but it is generally a task appropriate for APs when performed as part of routine care.
D. A client in protective isolation requires careful attention to infection control practices to protect them from infections. While the RN is responsible for ensuring adherence to isolation protocols and assessing the client’s needs, the day-to-day care tasks might be managed by LPNs and APs, provided they are trained in infection control procedures.

A. The role of the AP includes tasks like recording the amount of fluids the client consumes and produces (urine, emesis, etc.), but it does not require specialized nursing knowledge.
B. Postmortem care involves preparing the body after death for the family or transfer to the morgue. This task can be performed by an AP.
C. While this task can be delegated to both LPNs and APs, it is often considered a basic task that can be assigned to the AP to free up the LPN for more complex patient care responsibilities.
D. Inserting an NG tube is a skill that LPNs are trained to perform, and it is within their scope of practice in many states and healthcare settings, provided they have received the appropriate training and certification.