Question

The nurse and UAP are caring for a 64-year-old client who is 4 hours postoperative bilateral femoral-popliteal bypass surgery. Which nursing task should be delegated to the UAP?

a. Monitor the continuous passive motion machine.
b. Assist the client to the bedside commode.
c. Feed the client the evening meal.
d. Elevate the foot of the client's bed.

Answer 1

The UAP can assist the postoperative patient to the bedside commode, which is within their scope of responsibilities. Other tasks mentioned require nursing assessment and should not be delegated to the UAP.

Step-by-step explanation:

The task that should be delegated to the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) for a 64-year-old client who is having postoperative bilateral femoral-popliteal bypass surgery is to assist the client to the bedside commode. This is a task within the scope of a UAP's responsibilities, which include helping with basic patient mobility and hygiene. It is important, however, that the nurse provides clear instructions and monitors the UAP considering the patient's recent surgery. Tasks such as monitoring the continuous passive motion machine, feeding the client the evening meal, and elevating the foot of the client's bed may require more specialized assessment and judgment that should be reserved for the licensed nursing staff.