Which task can be assigned to assistive personnel?

Assigning tasks to assistive personnel requires an understanding of their role and the scope of practice within healthcare. Collecting a stool specimen to test for occult blood is an appropriate task for assistive personnel. This task typically does not require specialized nursing knowledge or skills and can be performed under the supervision of a registered nurse. It involves following specific protocols to ensure the specimen is collected and handled properly, which is well within the capabilities of trained assistive staff.

In contrast, administering insulin requires specific clinical judgment, monitoring of blood glucose levels, and knowledge about the medication's effects and potential complications, which are responsibilities that should be retained by licensed nursing staff. Performing a complete nursing assessment is a complex task that necessitates critical thinking and expert clinical skills to evaluate a patient's overall health status, identifying any potential issues that require nursing intervention. Changing a central line dressing also requires specific skills and knowledge of aseptic technique to prevent infection, making it inappropriate for assistive personnel to perform.