NCLEX · Delegation and Supervision

The LPN is caring for 5 patients. Which task is MOST appropriate to delegate to a certified nursing assistant (CNA)?

Correct answer

Assisting a stable patient with morning hygiene and bathing

  1. A Assisting a stable patient with morning hygiene and bathing
  2. B Inserting a urinary catheter
  3. C Administering an oral medication
  4. D Assessing a new patient's pain level

Why this is the answer

Delegation to cna: CNAs perform tasks within their scope: assistance with ADLs (bathing, grooming, dressing, ambulation, feeding); vital signs (after training and competency verification); toileting assistance; positioning; reporting observations to the nurse. WHAT CNAs CANNOT DO: assessment (evaluating pain, wound assessment); medication administration; catheter insertion; IV care; anything requiring nursing judgment. Assisting with morning hygiene for a STABLE patient is squarely within CNA scope — it is an ADL task. Assessment of a new patient's pain requires nursing judgment. Oral medication administration requires the nurse. Catheter insertion requires the nurse. The key word STABLE is important — unstable patients require more direct nursing involvement even for ADL tasks if the instability could change the care plan.

Source: NCLEX-PN, Delegation to CNA

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About this topic: Delegation and Supervision

Delegation and supervision questions cover what an LPN/LVN may delegate to assistive personnel, what must stay with the nurse, and how to supervise and follow up on delegated tasks. This is one of 8 PN: Coordinated Care questions on delegation and supervision, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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