Which activity can a nurse safely delegate to a nursing assistant when caring for a stable patient?

The delegation of activities in nursing practice is based on the complexity of the task and the qualifications of the personnel involved. In the case of a stable patient, escorting the patient to the bathroom is a straightforward task that falls within the scope of practice for nursing assistants. This task does not require clinical judgment or specialized nursing knowledge, making it appropriate for delegation.

Nursing assistants are trained to help with activities of daily living, including assisting patients with mobility and ensuring their safety during such tasks. Delegating this responsibility can help free up the nurse to focus on more complex aspects of patient care that require assessment or critical thinking.

In contrast, administering medications, assessing vital signs, and changing a colostomy bag are tasks that generally require a licensed nurse's knowledge, skills, and judgment. Each of these activities involves a level of clinical decision-making or specialized training that exceeds the responsibilities assigned to nursing assistants. Therefore, while the nurse can effectively delegate simpler tasks like escorting a stable patient to the bathroom, the other activities necessitate the involvement of a licensed nurse.