In caring for an SCI patient, which task is appropriate for delegation to a patient care tech?

• A. Obtain a blood pressure.
• B. Chart fluid intake.
• C. Assess the IV site.
• D. Do initial teaching for incentive spirometer.

Answer: (A)

Delegation hinges on allowed tasks that don’t require nursing judgment. Taking blood pressure is a straightforward, objective measurement that a patient care tech can perform after proper training, with the nurse reviewing the result and acting accordingly. It helps free the nurse for assessments and decisions while still keeping patient safety in check.

Assessing the IV site requires nursing assessment to identify complications like infiltration or infection. Initial teaching for incentive spirometry is educational and should be done by a nurse or respiratory therapist. Charting fluid intake involves documentation that, while sometimes delegated under specific policies, does not replace the need for nursing assessment and monitoring.