Which nursing intervention can be delegated to the LPN while caring for a patient on mechanical ventilation?

The delegation of the administration of enteral nutrition to the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is appropriate because this task is within the scope of practice for LPNs. They are trained to manage enteral feeding systems, which include setting up and administering feedings, monitoring the patient's tolerance to the feedings, and recognizing when to report complications to registered nurses or healthcare providers.

Nurses often perform comprehensive assessments and complex interventions requiring more in-depth knowledge or critical thinking. In contrast, tasks such as obtaining vital signs and measuring urine output can often be delegated to assistive personnel, but they may not carry the same level of clinical judgment required in direct patient care as enteral nutrition administration does. Administration of medications like sedatives and analgesics is typically reserved for registered nurses due to the potential for significant effects on respiratory status, and patient education regarding mechanical ventilation requires critical thinking and assessment skill that is usually beyond the LPN's scope. Thus, the task of administering enteral nutrition aligns well with the competencies of an LPN, making it the most appropriate intervention for delegation in this situation.