What is the first step the nurse should take when preparing to delegate a patient's back massage to NAP?

In preparing to delegate a patient's back massage to a Nursing Assistant (NAP), it is essential for the nurse to first assess the NAP's understanding of the proper technique for back massage. This step is crucial because the effectiveness and safety of the massage depend on the NAP's knowledge and competency regarding the procedure. By ensuring that the NAP understands the correct method, the nurse can be more confident that the patient will receive the appropriate care.

A proper technique involves understanding how to apply the right pressure, the duration of the massage, and any specific considerations related to the patient's health status. Moreover, this assessment helps in setting clear expectations and providing guidance, which ultimately enhances the quality of care provided to the patient.

Other options, while they may have their own importance, do not take precedence over assessing the NAP's understanding of the technique. For instance, simply observing the NAP perform the skill does not guarantee that they possess the necessary knowledge beforehand. Additionally, while muscle endurance can be a factor, it is secondary to ensuring that the correct technique is used. Lastly, while gauging the patient's interest in the massage is important for patient-centered care, it does not relate directly to the delegation process itself before ensuring that the NAP is equipped to perform