Final answer:
In an acute care setting, a nurse should delegate the task of taking vital signs for an older client with fractures to a UAP, as this task aligns with their scope of practice and can be done under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assignment that a nurse should delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in an acute care setting is C. Taking vital signs for an older client with left humerus and left tibial fractures. UAPs are typically tasked with basic patient care under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, which includes activities such as measuring vital signs. These tasks do not require the clinical judgment that a registered nurse possesses. They focus on providing care that maintains patient comfort and well-being.
On the other hand, checking blood glucose hourly for a patient with a continuous insulin drip involves complex monitoring and adjustments that need to be supervised or performed by the registered nurse due to the risks associated with insulin injections and their effects on blood glucose levels. Giving PO medications or replacing a pressure ulcer dressing requires a thorough understanding of medication administration and wound care, beyond UAP's scope of practice, and thus should be performed by licensed nursing staff.