Which activity is generally acceptable for delegation to AP?

Assisting with feeding is generally considered an acceptable activity for delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) or nursing assistants. This task falls within the scope of practice for UAP as it involves providing basic, hands-on care that does not require specialized nursing knowledge or assessment skills.

When a licensed nurse delegates tasks, they evaluate the complexity of the task and the qualifications of the person to whom they are delegating. Feeding a patient typically involves monitoring the patient’s ability to swallow and eat, which a trained nursing assistant can manage effectively under the supervision of a nurse.

In contrast, assessing a patient’s condition, creating care plans, and administering IV medications require a higher level of clinical judgment, critical thinking skills, and knowledge of the patient's overall health status, making them unsuitable for delegation to unlicensed personnel. These activities are essential components of nursing responsibilities and should remain within the domain of licensed nursing staff to ensure patient safety and quality of care.