Which action may be safely delegated to the practical nurse?

The action of removing a peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheter can be safely delegated to the practical nurse because it falls within the scope of practice for practical nursing and is a straightforward, procedural task. The removal of a PIV catheter typically does not require extensive assessment or critical thinking, as it involves following standard protocols for safe removal. A practical nurse is trained to perform this procedure while ensuring that the patient is not at risk for complications, such as bleeding or infection, after the catheter is removed.

In contrast, actions such as assessing a newly admitted patient for vital signs or performing initial admission assessments require a higher level of clinical judgment and comprehensive evaluation, which is generally more appropriate for registered nurses to perform. Administering blood transfusions involves significant responsibility and monitoring for potential reactions, which typically necessitates the advanced training and expertise of a registered nurse. This differentiation in the level of complexity and responsibility underscores why the removal of a PIV catheter is suitable for delegation to a practical nurse.