The charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is assigning tasks for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an assistive personnel (AP). Which task is appropriate to delegate to the AP?

Routine vital signs for a stable client are predictable, low risk, and within AP scope when the RN gives direction and follow-up. Teaching, evaluation of medication response, and assessment of a new potentially unstable symptom require licensed nursing judgment.

In-depth explanation

<span class="merci-scenario-label">Clinical Judgment</span><br>Match the task to client stability, predictability, staff competence, and RN supervision.<br><br><span class="merci-scenario-label">Memory Tip</span><br>Stable and routine can be delegated; assessment, teaching, and evaluation stay with licensed nurses.<br><br><span class="merci-scenario-label">KR vs US</span><br>NCLEX delegation questions separate RN judgment from AP task performance more strictly than many local workflow habits.

Clinical scenario

<span class="merci-scenario-label">Clinical Practice Guide</span><br>Delegation is safest when the client is stable, the task is routine, expected outcomes are clear, and the RN can supervise and evaluate.<br><br><span class="merci-scenario-label">Caution</span><br>Do not delegate assessment, initial teaching, clinical evaluation, or unstable client changes to AP.

Key concepts

• Delegation — Transfer of responsibility for performing a task while the RN keeps accountability for outcome and supervision.
• Scope of Practice — The legal and policy boundary that defines which tasks each role may perform.
• Supervision — RN direction, follow-up, and evaluation after assigning or delegating a task.