The charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is assigning tas… | MyMerci
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Assignment/Delegation/SupervisionMOC
Question
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?
1Obtain and document routine vital signs for a stable client awaiting discharge.✓ Correct answer
2Assess a new report of chest pressure in a client with heart failure.
3Teach a client how to use a new incentive spirometer after surgery.
4Evaluate pain relief after the first dose of IV morphine.
Explanation
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.
Clinical Judgment Match the task to client stability, predictability, staff competence, and RN supervision.
Memory Tip Stable and routine can be delegated; assessment, teaching, and evaluation stay with licensed nurses.
KR vs US NCLEX delegation questions separate RN judgment from AP task performance more strictly than many local workflow habits.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide Delegation is safest when the client is stable, the task is routine, expected outcomes are clear, and the RN can supervise and evaluate.
Caution 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.