What task must a nurse perform when delegating discharge activities for a postpartum client?

When delegating discharge activities for a postpartum client, it is essential for the nurse to compare the ID bands of the mother and infant. This task is of utmost importance as it ensures the safety and proper identification of both mother and baby before they leave the healthcare facility. Proper identification helps prevent any potential mix-up or errors, safeguarding the well-being of the infant and providing peace of mind to the parents.

In this context, other tasks such as providing wound care instructions, administering medications, and scheduling follow-up appointments are typically within the scope of practice for the nurse and often require direct nursing assessment or intervention. These activities necessitate a professional understanding of the client's condition, applicable nursing interventions, and the ability to assess the client's understanding and readiness for discharge. Therefore, while these tasks are important, they do not represent actions that a nurse should delegate without direct oversight, making the comparison of ID bands a critical and appropriate task for delegation.