Question

What nursing task can be safely delegated to the UAP?

1) Administering medication
2) Performing wound dressing
3) Developing a care plan
4) Assessing vital signs

Answer 1

The nursing task that can be delegated to a UAP is assessing vital signs. Administering medication, performing wound dressing, and developing a care plan require the expertise of a Registered Nurse or higher.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nursing task that can be safely delegated to the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) is assessing vital signs. It is within the scope of practice for a UAP to take and report a patient’s vital signs. Administering medication, performing wound dressing, and developing a care plan are tasks that require the advanced knowledge, critical thinking, and professional judgment of a Registered Nurse (RN) or higher-level provider. The UAP operates under the direct supervision of an RN, focusing mainly on tasks such as providing dialysis treatments, preparing solutions and equipment to ensure accurate and sterile procedures, and monitoring patients' conditions during treatments. Usually, these tasks would include collecting essential data such as taking vital signs, but not making assessments or judgments based on those signs which is the responsibility of the RN or higher-level provider.