You are caring for a patient with esophageal cancer. Which task could be delegated to the nursing assistant?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Delegating tasks in nursing hinges on scope of practice. Assisting with oral hygiene is a basic care activity nursing assistants are trained to perform, supporting hygiene needs in esophageal cancer patients who may struggle with swallowing. Observing responses to feedings requires clinical judgment to assess tolerance or complications, a nurse's responsibility. Facilitating emotional expression involves therapeutic communication skills beyond an assistant's training, critical for addressing cancer-related distress. Initiating daily weights implies deciding when to start, requiring understanding of fluid status assistants can weigh patients but not initiate the process independently. Oral hygiene delegation optimizes care efficiency, aligns with assistants' capabilities, and frees nurses for higher-level assessments, ensuring safe, effective management of this patient's complex needs.