Final answer:
Assistive personnel in the healthcare setting can be delegated the task of assisting a client with ambulation and transferring from bed to chair, but not tasks that require professional nursing judgement or licensure such as administering medications or assessing a patient's neurological status.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the delegation of tasks by a charge nurse to assistive personnel (AP). Considering the scope of practice for APs, which are guided by regulations and institutional policies, certain tasks require specific competencies that typically exceed the training of assistive personnel. APs generally do not have the licensure to administer medications, provide patient education, or conduct complex assessments, which are responsibilities reserved for licensed nurses or advanced practice providers.
Therefore, the charge nurse can delegate the following task to assistive personnel:
- Assisting a client with ambulation and transferring from bed to chair.
Tasks related to patient care support, such as assisting with mobility and other activities of daily living, fall within the AP's role under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. However, administering oral medications, providing education on medication side effects, and assessing the neurological status of clients should be performed by licensed nursing staff.
As part of comprehensive patient care, it is important for healthcare professionals to review aloud key concerns for the recovery and care of patients, as done by the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional. This promotes patient safety and ensures clarity in the delegation and execution of tasks.