Final answer:
The most appropriate task to delegate to a nursing assistant is Option D, administering a bed bath, as it is within their scope of practice and pertains to basic patient care, whereas the other tasks either require higher clinical skills or fall under the purview of more trained healthcare professionals like nurses.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the clinical scenario described, a patient admitted with pneumonia is coughing profusely, febrile, and requires various levels of care, including nasotracheal suctioning and an IV infusion of antibiotics. The patient has also requested for a bath due to excessive perspiration. When determining which task is appropriate to delegate to a nursing assistant, it is essential to consider the scope of practice and the level of training required for each task.
Option A, assessing vital signs, is within the scope of practice for a nursing assistant under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. Option B, changing IV dressing, is typically a task for more trained personnel like a nurse since it requires sterility and a knowledge of IV therapy. Option C, nasotracheal suctioning, is a complex procedure requiring specific clinical skills and should be performed by a nurse or a trained respiratory therapist. Therefore, Option D, administering a bed bath, is the most suitable task to delegate to a nursing assistant. This task aligns with their role in focusing on basic patient care and hygiene needs, ensuring the patient's comfort while also observing and reporting any changes in the patient's condition back to the nurse.