Question

A patient with an acute peptic ulcer and major blood loss requires an immediate transfusion with packed red blood cells. Which task is appropriate for the registered nurse (RN) to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

A. Confirm the IV solution is 0.9% saline.
B. Obtain the vital signs before the transfusion is initiated.
C. Monitor the patient for shortness of breath and back pain.
D. Double check the patient identity and verify the blood product.

Answer 1

A registered nurse can delegate the task of obtaining vital signs before a blood transfusion to unlicensed assistive personnel.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the responsibilities that can be assigned to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in the context of a patient requiring an immediate transfusion with packed red blood cells. In this scenario, the appropriate task for a registered nurse (RN) to delegate to a UAP is B. Obtain the vital signs before the transfusion is initiated. Tasks related to confirming IV solutions, monitoring for adverse reactions, and verifying patient identity and blood product must be performed by the RN, due to their significance and potential legal and clinical implications.