Given a short-staffing situation, which task should the charge nurse delay?

In a short-staffing situation, the charge nurse must prioritize tasks based on the immediate needs of patients and their safety. Delaying daily baths is appropriate because personal hygiene, while important for patient comfort and dignity, does not typically have the same immediate impact on patient health as the other tasks listed. Medication administration is critical to pain management and treatment plans, vital sign collection can help detect changes in a patient's condition that may require immediate intervention, and hourly safety rounds are essential for preventing harm and ensuring patient safety. Therefore, focusing on these vital signs of care and safety takes precedence over the less urgent tasks like daily baths, which can be rescheduled without compromising patient safety.