Which activities are appropriate for the assistive personnel (AP) to perform when delegated by a registered nurse?

The activity of collecting a urine specimen from a client is appropriate for assistive personnel (AP) when delegated by a registered nurse because it falls within the scope of tasks that APs are trained and authorized to perform. Collecting urine specimens does not require clinical judgment or specialized nursing skills, and it is a routine task that involves ensuring proper collection techniques are used to prevent contamination.

This task supports the nursing process by allowing the registered nurse to focus on more complex assessments and interventions that require their expertise. When delegating such tasks, it is essential for the registered nurse to ensure that the AP understands the collection process, including how to identify the correct specimen type and how to handle it appropriately afterward.

In contrast, the other activities listed involve responsibilities that may require more extensive training, clinical judgment, or nursing knowledge. Monitoring IV solutions, for example, could involve recognizing complications that need the professional assessment of a nurse, while accompaniment during discharge often necessitates the ability to provide instructions and support to the client, which may exceed the scope of practice for an AP. These distinctions are crucial for maintaining patient safety and ensuring that tasks are assigned appropriately according to the level of training and competence of the personnel involved.