Which task should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel (AP) after a client’s cholecystectomy?

Delegating the task of measuring the vital signs of the client to an assistive personnel (AP) is appropriate because it is a routine, objective task that does not require specialized nursing knowledge or assessment skills. Vital signs are fundamental indicators of a patient's condition and can be monitored by non-licensed personnel after receiving the proper training. In this situation, the AP can accurately report these vital signs back to the nurse, allowing the nurse to focus on more complex assessments and interventions that require clinical judgment.

Nurses are responsible for assessments that require a higher level of analysis, such as evaluating the surgical site for complications or changing dressings, as these tasks involve clinical decision-making and understanding of the surgical procedure. Additionally, while assisting with mobility is a crucial aspect of recovery post-surgery, the nurse must ensure that the AP is properly trained to assist safely in this area, especially considering the specific needs of a patient recovering from a cholecystectomy. This emphasizes the nurse's role in overseeing and guiding the AP's tasks, while also ensuring that care standards are maintained.