Final answer:
Nursing assistants in the U.S. perform tasks like assisting with daily living activities and monitoring patients' conditions under the supervision of registered nurses. They do not administer medications, develop care plans, or conduct physical assessments. In specialized areas like dialysis centers, they may assist with specific treatment procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the United States, nursing assistants work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse and are authorized to perform a variety of supportive care activities. The activities that nursing assistants are typically allowed to perform include assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming patients. They are also involved in monitoring patients' condition by taking and reporting vital signs, and helping to prepare for medical procedures by setting up solutions and equipment. Nursing assistants do not have the authority to administer medications, develop care plans, or conduct physical assessments, as these tasks require more advanced medical knowledge and are usually performed by registered nurses or other licensed healthcare professionals.
In certain specialized settings, such as dialysis centers, nursing assistants may focus on providing dialysis treatments. This can include assessing and responding to patient needs before and during treatment, and monitoring the dialysis process to ensure it's performed correctly and safely. In all cases, the tasks performed must adhere to the scope of practice defined by the state's Nursing Board and under the guidance and supervision of a licensed nurse.