Final answer:
Assistive Personnel (AP) can be assigned to ambulate a client who uses a walker and add thickener to thin liquids on a client's food tray. They should not be tasked with flushing a saline lock, showing a patient how to use an incentive spirometer, or evaluating a patient's gag reflex before mealtime, as these require clinical judgment or the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
Step-by-step explanation:
In regard to the charge nurse planning care for a group of clients, assistive personnel (AP) can be delegated tasks that do not require clinical judgment or complex nursing skills. The tasks that should be delegated to an AP are:
- Ambulating a client who uses a walker - This task involves physical support and monitoring the patient's stability, which is within the scope of AP duties.
- Adding thickener to thin liquids on a client's food tray - This is a dietary adjustment that does not require nursing knowledge and can be completed by AP.
However, the following tasks should not be delegated to an AP because they either require nursing judgment, clinical knowledge, or direct supervision of a registered nurse:
- Flushing a client's saline lock - This procedure involves understanding sterile technique and medication administration rules.
- Showing a client how to use an incentive spirometer - This requires the ability to teach a patient about a medical device, which is outside the AP's scope.
- Evaluating a client's gag reflex before mealtime - This is an assessment that necessitates nursing knowledge to interpret findings and make care decisions.
It is important for the charge nurse to ensure that any tasks delegated to APs fall within their competency and training, observing any necessary regulatory guidelines.