Which task is appropriate for delegation to an unlicensed assistive personnel?

• A. Assisting with activities of daily living
• B. Administering medications
• C. Interpreting lab results
• D. Performing wound care

Answer: (A)

Delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel works for tasks that don’t require nursing judgment, licensure, or specialized clinical skills. Assisting with activities of daily living fits this because it covers basic personal care and mobility, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and transferring, which are routine and do not involve interpreting data or making clinical decisions.

Medications require proper orders, dosing knowledge, and monitoring for side effects, so they must be handled by a licensed nurse. Interpreting lab results needs clinical reasoning to determine what the values mean and what action is needed. Wound care often involves assessment, selecting appropriate dressings, and maintaining sterile technique, which are also within a licensed practitioner’s scope.

So, the appropriate task for delegation is assisting with activities of daily living. Always follow facility policies and state regulations for delegation.