Final answer:
The charge nurse can delegate assisting with ambulation for a postoperative patient to an assistive personnel (AP), as this task is within their scope of practice and does not require clinical assessment or judgement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The charge nurse can delegate tasks based on the skill level and scope of practice of the team members. Out of the options provided, the task that can be delegated to an assistive personnel (AP) is Option 3: Assisting with ambulation for a postoperative patient. This task is within the scope of practice for APs, as it involves physical support and ensuring safety, but does not require clinical assessment or judgement that must be done by a registered nurse or higher-level healthcare provider.
Tasks such as administering IV medications, assessing a client's pain level, and providing education on medication side effects require clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and specific training, which are beyond the scope of practice for assistive personnel and are responsibilities of a nurse or other licensed healthcare professional.
Assistive personnel can work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, focusing on providing support for tasks like reviewing patient history, monitoring vital signs, and preparing equipment under specific instructions. The direct supervision ensures that patient care is being managed by licensed staff while utilizing the skills of AP in appropriate roles.