Nurses are responsible not only for their actions but also for the actions of the staff to whom they delegate work, including accurate documentation. What is the principle associated with this responsibility?

Assistive personnel (AP), also known as unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), can perform tasks such as recording vital signs ¹. Obtaining vital signs on clients who are stable [d] is a task that can be delegated to an AP.

The other options are not tasks that should be delegated to an AP. Assisting the client to select a low-residue diet [a] and reviewing the steps of self-blood glucose monitoring with a client [c] involves patient education and dietary planning, which are typically the responsibility of a licensed nurse. Performing a complex dressing change [b] is a complex task that requires specialized knowledge and skills.

The correct answers are Choices A, D, and E.

Choice A rationale:Providing postmortem care to a client who has just passed away is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel (AP). Postmortem care involves cleaning and preparing the body after death and is not a task that requires the specialized skills or judgement of a nurse. It is important to note that while the physical task of postmortem care can be delegated, the nurse is still responsible for providing emotional support and information to the family, coordinating with the morgue or funeral home, and completing any required documentation.

Choice B rationale:Instructing a client about the use of a spirometer is not a task that should be delegated to assistive personnel. Patient education requires assessment and evaluation of the patient’s understanding, which are nursing responsibilities. A spirometer is a medical device used to measure lung function and is often used after surgery to help prevent complications like pneumonia. Proper use of the spirometer is crucial to its effectiveness, so it is important that the instruction is clear and understood by the patient.

Choice C rationale:Suctioning a client’s newly inserted tracheostomy is not a task that should be delegated to assistive personnel. Tracheostomy care, especially suctioning, requires specialized skills and knowledge, as well as the ability to assess the patient’s respiratory status. Improper suctioning can cause trauma to the trachea, hypoxia, or infection. Therefore, this task should be performed by a nurse or other licensed healthcare professional.

Choice D rationale:Transferring a client to radiology for x-rays is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel. This task involves physical assistance and does not require specialized nursing skills or judgement. However, the nurse should provide the AP with any necessary information about the patient’s condition, mobility, and any precautions that need to be taken during the transfer.

Choice E rationale:Performing a simple dressing change on a client’s arm is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel. This task involves changing the bandages on a wound, which is a task that does not require specialized nursing skills or judgement. However, the nurse should ensure that the AP has been properly trained in dressing changes, understands the importance of infection control, and knows when to report any changes in the wound’s appearance.