Which of the following tasks can be performed with indirect supervision?

Indirect supervision in dental hygiene allows certain tasks to be performed under the oversight of a dentist who is not physically present in the treatment area. This supervision typically requires that the dental hygienist has the necessary training and is operating within the established protocols of the dental practice.

Monitoring nitrous-oxide oxygen administration is an appropriate task for indirect supervision because it involves continuous assessment of the patient’s response to sedation while the dentist is not required to be present. The hygienist can observe vital signs and patient comfort.

On the other hand, tasks like polishing restorations for contour change and taking impressions for space maintainers often require a higher level of direct involvement and oversight from the dentist. These procedures may require real-time decision-making and adjustments that necessitate the dentist's immediate presence to ensure patient safety and the quality of care.

Thus, the correct answer highlights a task that is suitable for indirect supervision, aligning with Florida dental hygiene regulations that define what actions can be autonomously carried out by dental hygienists in the absence of direct oversight from a dentist.