Which tasks are appropriate to assign to assistive personnel?

Assigning the task of taking the empty blood bag back to the laboratory is appropriate for assistive personnel because it involves a non-invasive, logistical task that does not require advanced nursing knowledge or skill. This activity is part of maintaining a safe and organized environment within the healthcare setting, allowing nursing staff to focus on more complex aspects of patient care.

The other tasks require specialized skills or knowledge that assistive personnel may not possess. For example, showing a client how to ambulate with a walker involves patient education and assessment, which typically requires a nurse's training to ensure safety and effectiveness. Performing mouth care on a client with pneumonia necessitates an understanding of infection control principles and specific care considerations related to the client's condition. Lastly, applying oxygen via nasal cannula involves clinical judgment regarding the patient's respiratory status and the need for oxygen therapy, a task that also requires nursing expertise to monitor the patient's response and adjust settings as needed.