Final answer:
The RN can safely assign the task of assisting the client with ambulation and a gown change to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP), as it does not require clinical judgment or adjusting the IV therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clinical Delegation for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)
When caring for a client receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion for pain control, a Registered Nurse (RN) must consider which tasks can be safely delegated to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). Among the options provided, the safest and most appropriate task to delegate would be to Assist the client with ambulation and a gown change. This task does not require the UAP to make clinical judgments or to modify the therapy, which remain within the scope of practice of the licensed nurse. Tasks like assessing and documenting pain relief, adjusting the IV infusion rate, and checking the IV site for complications such as drainage or loose tape are all responsibilities that require clinical knowledge and are within the scope of a licensed nurse.
It should be noted that unlicensed assistive personnel should always operate under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. The RN is responsible for assessing the client's condition and capabilities in addition to verifying the competencies of the UAP for the assigned tasks. This ensures that patient care is not compromised and remains safe and effective, adhering to hospital policies and nursing standards of practice.