The nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department (ED) with septic shock.
Which task can be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel?
The nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department (ED) with septic shock.
Which task can be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel?
A. review the client's medication allergies
[1%]
B. insert an indwelling urethral catheter
[1%]
C. gather cardiac monitoring equipment
[63%]
D. obtain vital signs
[35%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Leadership & Management
Lesson
Assignment/Delegation
Client Need
Test Plan
Management of Care
Related Topic
Assignment, Delegation and Supervision
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice C is correct. Gathering cardiac monitoring equipment is an appropriate task to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). The nurse will need to assess and interpret the cardiac status, but gathering equipment, such as electrodes, leads, and monitors, is a task that falls within the scope of UAP's responsibilities.
Choice A is incorrect. Reviewing the client's medication allergies requires clinical judgment and understanding of the implications of allergies, which is especially important in emergencies where medications will be administered rapidly.
Choice B is incorrect. Inserting a urethral catheter may be delegated to an LPN/VN but not to a UAP. UAPs cannot perform procedures requiring sterility.
Choice D is incorrect. A UAP may obtain vital signs, but this client is experiencing shock, which is a critical diagnosis. The nurse will need to obtain vital signs because this will require prompt interpretation and interventions if the vital signs are unstable.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Five Rights of Delegation
15.7 Delegation
Additional Info
✓ When delegating tasks to a UAP, considering the right circumstance is essential to ensure the client’s safety and that the task is appropriate given the client's condition. This involves assessing several factors, including the client's stability, the task's complexity, and the potential risks involved.
