A nurse is working with an assistive personnel (AP) who refuses a client assignment. When resolving this conflict, which of the following comments is appropriate for the nurse to make?

Assistive personnel (AP), also known as unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), can perform tasks such as recording vital signs ¹. Obtaining vital signs on clients who are stable [d] is a task that can be delegated to an AP.

The other options are not tasks that should be delegated to an AP. Assisting the client to select a low-residue diet [a] and reviewing the steps of self-blood glucose monitoring with a client [c] involves patient education and dietary planning, which are typically the responsibility of a licensed nurse. Performing a complex dressing change [b] is a complex task that requires specialized knowledge and skills.

A nurse's best protection against negligence or malpractice is to follow the standards of practice. These standards define the acceptable level of care that a nurse is expected to provide and are based on current evidence and professional consensus. By adhering to these standards, a nurse can demonstrate that they have provided care that meets the expected level of quality and safety.

The other options are not the best protection against negligence or malpractice. Asking permission from the managing nurse prior to performing any duties [a] may be helpful in some situations, but it is not a guarantee against negligence or malpractice. Never being alone with a patient [c] is not practical or necessary for providing safe and effective care. Recording patient interactions with your phone [d] may violate patient privacy and is not an effective way to prevent negligence or malpractice.