Final answer:
The nurse on a med-surg unit can delegate the task of reapplying a condom catheter for a client with urinary incontinence (option C) to an assistive personnel. This task is within the AP's scope of practice and does not require the sterile technique or clinical judgement of a registered nurse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking which task a nurse on a med-surg unit can delegate to an assistive personnel (AP). In the healthcare setting, certain tasks require the expertise and clinical judgement of a registered nurse, while others may be performed by an AP under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
Based on the options provided:
- Feeding a client who has aspiration pneumonia may not be appropriate for an AP, as this situation might require specialized skills to prevent further aspiration.
- Teaching a patient to use a quad cane is a role for a licensed nurse who is trained in patient education.
- Applying a sterile dressing to a pressure ulcer requires the sterile technique and assessment skills of a nurse.
- Reapplying a condom catheter for a client who has urinary incontinence is a task that can typically be assigned to an AP, as it does not require sterile technique and is within the scope of their training.
Therefore, the nurse may delegate the task of reapplying a condom catheter to an AP. This task aligns with routine care practices that assistive personnel are trained to perform, ensuring proper patient care while allowing the nurse to focus on more complex clinical tasks.