Final answer:
The UAP is responsible for keeping the RN informed of any abnormal blood pressure readings after performing blood pressure checks. It's not within their role to delegate the task further, call the physician, or initiate dietary changes. Their role, including using a sphygmomanometer to take measurements, is performed under direct RN supervision.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an RN delegates the task of performing blood pressure checks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), and the UAP accepts the task, they are responsible for several key actions. One of the UAP's primary responsibilities is to keep the RN informed of any abnormal blood pressure readings. This is essential for the ongoing assessment and management of patient care within the healthcare setting. It is not the UAP’s responsibility to delegate the task further, call the physician directly, or initiate dietary changes; these actions fall outside of their scope of practice and would typically require higher-level clinical decision-making or specific orders from a licensed healthcare provider.
According to Figure 11.2.5, a medical technician, which can include a UAP, may use a sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure. While the UAP needs to be competent in using the equipment and taking accurate readings, their role in direct patient care tasks such as blood pressure monitoring is under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or other licensed healthcare professional.