At the beginning of the shift, an RN is preparing assignments for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to the LPN?

A. Blood pressure is a measurable physiological parameter that can be accurately recorded by the nurse using a sphygmomanometer. It provides concrete evidence of the client’s current condition compared to their preoperative baseline.
B. The swelling and warmth of the calf are observable and measurable physical signs that the nurse can assess through physical examination. These findings can be documented and evaluated independently of the client's personal feelings or reports.
C. Nausea is a symptom experienced and reported by the client. It cannot be directly measured or observed by the nurse but rather is based on the client's personal sensations and experiences.
D. Pain is a personal experience and is reported by the client. The description of pain, including its intensity and quality, is based on the client's own perception and cannot be directly measured by the nurse.
E. Urine output is a quantifiable measurement that can be recorded and assessed by the nurse. It
provides concrete information about the client’s fluid balance and renal function over a specific period.

A. The role of the AP includes tasks like recording the amount of fluids the client consumes and produces (urine, emesis, etc.), but it does not require specialized nursing knowledge.
B. Postmortem care involves preparing the body after death for the family or transfer to the morgue. This task can be performed by an AP.
C. While this task can be delegated to both LPNs and APs, it is often considered a basic task that can be assigned to the AP to free up the LPN for more complex patient care responsibilities.
D. Inserting an NG tube is a skill that LPNs are trained to perform, and it is within their scope of practice in many states and healthcare settings, provided they have received the appropriate training and certification.