Question

A student nurse is concerned about delegation practices and wonders why hospitals employ unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and LPN/LVNs. The student nurse refers to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and learns that the role of these personnel is to:

a. supplement the staffing pattern when an RN is not available.
b. aid the RN by performing appropriately delegated care tasks.
c. replace the RN when the health care facility provides long-term care.
d. provide patient teaching, allowing more direct care to be provided by the RN.

Answer 1

Unlicensed assistive personnel and LPNs/LVNs aid registered nurses by performing delegated care tasks.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and LPN/LVNs in hospitals is to aid the RN by performing appropriately delegated care tasks. They work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse and assist with tasks such as taking vital signs, preparing equipment, and providing direct patient care. This allows the RN to focus on more complex tasks and patient needs.