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The nurse is caring for 5 clients and is assisted by experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which tasks can the nurse safely delegate to the UAP?

a) Administering medications
b) Assisting with bathing and hygiene
c) Providing emotional support
d) Obtaining vital signs

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

The nurse can delegate assisting with bathing and hygiene, obtaining vital signs, and providing emotional support to the experienced UAP. Administering medications should not be delegated as it requires the nurse's clinical judgement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is caring for 5 clients and is assisted by experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). When considering which tasks to delegate, the nurse must ensure patient safety and adherence to professional standards. In general, UAPs can be delegated tasks that do not require clinical judgment or complex decision-making. The nurse should, therefore, delegate tasks such as:

  • Assisting with bathing and hygiene
  • Obtaining vital signs
  • Providing emotional support

These tasks fall well within the scope of practice for UAP and can be performed under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. It is important to note, however, that administering medications is not a task that can typically be delegated to UAP, as it requires clinical skills and knowledge about medication effects and potential interactions, which are part of the registered nurse's scope of practice.

User Martin Thompson
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