Question

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? Select all that apply.

Answer 1

The nurse can delegate tasks like monitoring vital signs and preparing solutions and equipment for dialysis to the UAP. Tasks that require clinical judgment, such as surgical procedures or recovery and care plans, must not be delegated.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse can safely delegate tasks to an experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) that do not require the clinical judgment or high-level skills of a registered nurse. In general, UAPs can be tasked with activities such as monitoring patient vital signs, helping with patient hygiene, basic feeding, and mobilization, as well as other non-invasive routine tasks. Specifically, with direct supervision of a registered nurse, UAPs can focus on tasks in the context of dialysis treatments, such as preparing solutions and equipment to ensure accuracy and sterility.

The UAP cannot be assigned to tasks that involve surgical procedures, such as counting needles, sponges, and instruments or labeling specimens, as these require professional clinical judgment and are integral to patient safety during surgical procedures. The UAP is also not qualified to engage in discussions regarding the recovery and care plans of postoperative patients, which are typically handled by surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia professionals.