Question

The nurse determines that one of the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) working with her patients does not follow safety precautions when ambulating patients. What should the nurse consider before acting on this knowledge?

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. The tasks performed by UAPs must conform to hospital policy and procedure.
2. The nurse must act as a patient advocate.
3. The nurse should follow the UAP job description as written by the hospital's administration.
4. If the nurse's supervisor tells the nurse to delegate this task to the UAP, the nurse is still accountable for errors made by the UAP.
5. The nurse is accountable only for the work personally performed.

Answer 1

The nurse should ensure UAP tasks align with hospital policies, act as a patient advocate, and understand that they are accountable for the UAP's actions when delegating tasks. Reporting and remedying the UAP's noncompliance with safety measures is crucial to maintaining patient welfare.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the nurse discovers that a Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) is not following safety precautions while ambulating patients, there are several important considerations before taking action:

The tasks performed by UAPs must conform to hospital policy and procedure, ensuring that the care provided is within the scope of their responsibilities and compliant with standards.The nurse must act as a patient advocate, ensuring patient safety and quality of care above all.Even if the task of ambulating patients is delegated to UAPs, per the nurse's supervisor instructions, the nurse is still accountable for the safety and well-being of the patient, which includes monitoring and correcting the actions of the UAP as necessary.

It is imperative for the nurse to address this issue with the UAP following established protocols, such as reviewing the UAP job description, providing necessary training, and ensuring adherence to the hospital's safety policies. If a task is considered unsafe, the nurse has the responsibility to speak up and take appropriate actions to rectify the situation, as patient safety is paramount.