Question

The nurse provides care to a newly-admitted client for whom the use of hand restraints is prescribed. When delegating client care, the nurse assigns which activity to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

1. Applying the restraints.
2. Identifying the reason for the use of restraints.
3. Selecting the restraints.
4. Determining the effectiveness of the restraints.

Answer 1

The nurse can delegate the task of applying the restraints to UAP under direct supervision. Identifying reasons for using restraints, selecting them, and determining their effectiveness are tasks requiring nursing judgment and should not be delegated to UAP.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse can delegate the activity of applying the restraints to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). However, it is still under the direct supervision of a registered nurse that these tasks should be performed. The UAP's responsibilities can include tasks that do not require nursing judgment, such as ensuring patient safety through application and ensuring restraints are not causing harm.

It is essential that the UAP is trained in the correct application method and that they follow the specific instructions provided by the nurse. Identifying the reason for the use of restraints, selecting the restraints, and determining the effectiveness of the restraints are all activities that require professional nursing knowledge and judgment and cannot be delegated to UAP.

In line with the multidisciplinary approach to patient care, it is crucial to mention that sometimes, during the recovery phase, the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional review aloud the key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient, which could include issues related to restraints. However, application and monitoring for safety remain the key tasks that can be assigned to UAP under proper supervision.