During a busy shift in a long-term care home, an LPN asks you, an HCA, to perform a wound dressing change for a stable resident, Mrs. Chen. You have observed the LPN doing this before but have not been formally trained or assigned this specific task. What is the MOST appropriate action for you to take?

Question: During a busy shift in a long-term care home, an LPN asks you, an HCA, to perform a wound dressing change for a stable resident, Mrs. Chen. You have observed the LPN doing this before but have not been formally trained or assigned this specific task. What is the MOST appropriate action for you to take?

Answer options: ✅ Politely decline and state that this task is outside your HCA scope of practice and training.

• Attempt the dressing change, observing carefully and asking the LPN for immediate guidance if unsure.
• Agree to do it, as the LPN is busy, and then check with another HCA if it's acceptable.
• Tell the LPN you will do it, but immediately seek out the facility's policy on delegated tasks.

Correct answer: Politely decline and state that this task is outside your HCA scope of practice and training.

Explanation: HCAs must only perform tasks for which they have been trained and assigned, working within their defined scope of practice. Performing a delegated nursing act without proper training and assignment is unsafe and outside HCA responsibilities, even if asked by an LPN.