A nurse is organizing care for a group of clients. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to the assistive personnel (AP)?

Rationale:

A. Observing the AP as she obtains the vital signs of each client is incorrect because direct supervision of every measurement is not necessary for routine tasks that the AP is trained and competent to perform. Over-monitoring can waste time and undermine the AP’s role.

B. Asking the AP to take the vital signs of the client returning from surgery first is incorrect because the nurse should prioritize delegation based on client acuity, not task order alone. While postoperative clients may require timely assessment, the focus of delegation planning is on communication and reporting rather than specifying order unless indicated by acuity.

C. Determining the time frame the AP should report the results is correct. The nurse must clearly communicate expectations, including when and how results should be reported, to ensure timely interpretation and follow-up interventions. Setting a reporting time frame is a critical step in safe delegation.

D. Verifying the AP's educational preparation prior to delegating the task is incorrect in this context because competency, not just education, is the key factor. Nurses are responsible for delegating tasks to individuals who are trained and competent, which is usually established through orientation, demonstrated skill, or competency validation, rather than simply verifying educational credentials.

Rationale:
A. Delay discussing the medication changes until the client experiences worsening symptoms is incorrect because waiting could cause unnecessary suffering. Beneficence requires the nurse to actively promote the client’s well-being, not postpone interventions that could improve their health and comfort.

B. Encourage the client to try the new medication while providing thorough education on its benefits and side effects is correct because beneficence involves taking actions that benefit the client and enhance their quality of life. By educating the client and addressing concerns, the nurse supports informed decision-making while promoting optimal pain management and overall well-being.

C. Respect the client’s decision not to change medications without further discussion is incorrect in this context because while respecting autonomy is important, beneficence focuses on promoting the client’s health. The nurse should provide information and guidance rather than simply accepting a decision that may result in continued pain or ineffective treatment.

D. Administer the current medication as ordered without discussing alternatives is incorrect because it ignores the client’s expressed concerns and may not optimize their well-being. Beneficence requires proactive measures to enhance health outcomes, including evaluating the effectiveness of current therapy and discussing safer or more effective options.