A nurse is assisting a newly licensed nurse with delegating tasks to an assistive personnel on the unit. Which of the following statements by the nurse explains the purpose of delegation?

A. While assisting others is an important aspect of nursing care, it generally does not directly reflect the acuity of clients. Assisting colleagues might involve helping with tasks, offering support, or collaborating on care, but it is more related to teamwork and overall unit dynamics rather than directly indicating the complexity or intensity of care needed by individual clients.

B. Medication administration is a significant factor in determining client acuity. The complexity and frequency of medications, the need for monitoring and adjustments, and the administration of high-risk medications (e.g., anticoagulants, insulin) all contribute to the overall acuity level. High acuity clients often require more complex medication management, which demands more time and attention from nursing staff.
C. Meal breaks are a necessary part of a nurse’s schedule but are not related to client acuity. Meal breaks are periods of rest and are essential for maintaining the nurse’s well-being and productivity. However, they do not affect the level of care required by clients or the determination of client acuity.
D. Charting is a crucial component of nursing care that reflects the time spent documenting client information, assessments, and care provided. While charting is essential for legal documentation, communication, and continuity of care, it is not a direct indicator of client acuity.

A. Evaluating pain relief involves assessing the effectiveness of pain management, which requires clinical judgment, assessment skills, and an understanding of the client’s response to medication. This task involves interpreting changes in pain levels and making decisions about further interventions, which is beyond the scope of an AP’s responsibilities.
B. Wound irrigation involves a clinical procedure that requires specialized knowledge and skills, including understanding wound care techniques and infection control practices. This task requires a level of assessment and clinical decision-making that APs are not trained to perform.
C. Teaching a client about dietary changes, such as low-sodium foods, requires specialized knowledge about nutrition and the ability to tailor information to the client’s specific needs. This type of education involves clinical judgment and expertise in dietary management, which is not within the scope of an AP’s role.
D. Measuring and recording intake and output (I&O) involves tracking the volume of fluids consumed and excreted by a client. This task is a basic responsibility that APs are trained to perform, as it involves straightforward data collection without requiring clinical judgment. The recorded data can then be used by RNs or LPNs to make further clinical decisions.