MEDizzy - A patient care assistant (PCA) is assisting a registered

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Safe and Effective Care Environment

A patient care assistant (PCA) is assisting a registered nurse (RN) in providing care to mothers and babies on the maternal-newborn unit. A charge nurse recognizes the RN’s need for further education regarding appropriate delegation of client care when overhearing the RN make which statement to the nursing assistant?

ExplanationThe scope of practice for ancillary staff does not include the manage- ment of client care. Assessing the umbilical cord is not a responsibility that the RN can delegate to the ancillary staff. Observing a skill and providing feedback indicates appropriate evaluation of the PCA’s skill prior to delegation. Hygienic care, taking vital signs, and postmortem care are responsibilities that can be safely delegated to ancillary staff.