Nursing Prioritization Delegation Assignment Q 73
The charge nurse is delegating tasks to her subordinates in the medical unit. Which infection control activity should she assign to an experienced nursing assistant?
A. Asking clients about the use of immunosuppressant medications.
B. Demonstrating correct hand washing to client visitors.
C. Disinfecting blood pressure cuffs after clients are discharged.
D. Screening clients for upper respiratory tract symptoms.
Correct Answer: C. Disinfecting blood pressure cuffs after clients are discharged
Nursing assistants can support agency policy to disinfect items that come in contact with intact skin such as blood pressure cuffs by cleaning with chemicals like alcohol. Depending on a nurse’s role, some tasks can be delegated to a CNA depending on their scope of practice. Essentially, a nurse can delegate tasks to a CNA anytime help is necessary.
Option A: This task should be performed by licensed nurses. The practice of pervasive functions of critical decisions, nursing judgment, and clinical reasoning cannot be delegated. There should be no confusion between assignments and delegation.
Option B: Also known as a certified nursing assistant, a CNA’s main role is to provide patients with basic care and assist them in their everyday activities, particularly when patients have a hard time doing a few activities on their own, such as bathing.
Option D: Assessment for upper respiratory tract symptoms require further education and a broader scope of practice. A licensed nurse cannot delegate any activity involving critical decision-making or nursing judgment.