Question

A nurse is caring for a client with pancreatitis. Select the three tasks the nurse should delegate to an assistive personnel.

a. Insertion of NG tube
b. Collection of blood for CBC and BMP
c. Initiation of IV fluids

Answer 1

A nurse can delegate tasks such as taking and reporting vital signs and preparing solutions to assistive personnel caring for a patient with pancreatitis, but more technical tasks must be performed by licensed nursing staff.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns the delegation of tasks by a nurse caring for a patient with pancreatitis. Registered nurses (RNs) can delegate certain tasks to assistive personnel. The tasks in question, such as insertion of an NG tube, collection of blood samples, and initiation of IV fluids require specific clinical judgment and technical skill, and should not be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel. Instead, nurses could delegate tasks like taking and reporting the patient's vital signs and preparing solutions and equipment. These tasks are in line with guidelines for safe patient care practices and are within the scope of practice for assistive personnel under the direct supervision of an RN.