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An unlicensed assistant (UAP) has previously performed client transfers safely (bed to chair) on many occasions. It would be inappropriate to delegate this unsupervised task to the UAP under which condition?

1. The unit had a new wheel chair
2. This was an older client
3. It was the client's first time out of bed after surgery
4. The UAP has just returned from an extended leave of absence

User Hatjhie
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Delegating bed to chair transfers to a UAP should not be supervised in most cases, but after a client's surgery, additional precautions are necessary due to possible post-operative instability and specific instructions that the UAP may not be equipped to handle.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the delegation of tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP), it is crucial to ensure patient safety at all times. The task of client transfers from bed to chair, despite being done safely by the UAP on prior occasions, should not be delegated without supervision under certain conditions. The condition among the options provided that would most likely require additional precautions is when it is the client's first time out of bed after surgery. This is because the client's condition might be unstable or they may have specific post-operative instructions or limitations that the UAP may not be aware of or trained to handle.

While the age of a client or the introduction of a new wheelchair do require considerations, these factors do not inherently present the same level of risk as a post-operative state. Moreover, a UAP returning from an extended leave may require a brief update or refresher, but this does not necessarily preclude them from performing a task they have been competent in previously. In the case of recent surgery, it is essential that a licensed professional assesses the client's readiness for transfer and provides guidance or assistance as necessary.

User Drenmi
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