The nurse and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are caring for assigned clients. Which of the following tasks would be appropriate for the nurse to assign to UAP?
The nurse and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are caring for assigned clients. Which of the following tasks would be appropriate for the nurse to assign to UAP?
A. Providing oral care for an unconscious client with a tracheostomy
[11%]
B. Assisting a client with diabetes in monitoring blood glucose levels
[24%]
C. Assisting a client with a history of falls with ambulation in the hallway
[62%]
D. Assisting a client with wound dressing changes for a surgical incision
[3%]
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. Assisting a client with a history of falls during ambulation in the hallway is an appropriate task for the UAP. The UAP can provide support, steadiness, and assistance while the client walks, helping to prevent falls and maintain the client's safety.
Choice A is incorrect. Providing oral care for an unconscious client with a tracheostomy involves assessing the client's airway, suctioning if necessary, and maintaining proper oral hygiene to prevent aspiration and infection. This task requires specialized knowledge and skills, making it inappropriate to delegate to UAPs.
Choice B is incorrect. Though a UAP can collect blood glucose from a client, monitoring blood glucose levels requires knowledge of the client's diabetes management plan, understanding of target ranges, and interpretation of the results. It involves critical decision-making to adjust insulin dosages or dietary interventions based on blood glucose readings. This task is the responsibility of the licensed nurse.
Choice D is incorrect. Assisting a client with wound dressing changes for a surgical incision involves a more complex level of care and wound management. The nurse should be the one responsible for performing wound dressing changes or supervising them, especially for a surgical incision, as it is critical to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.
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2 Key Topics
UAP Delegation
15.7 Delegation
Additional Info
✓ Delegating tasks to UAPs should align with their established scope of practice and facility policies. Each healthcare facility has specific guidelines and protocols for what tasks can be delegated to UAPs based on their training and competency.
✓ Before assigning tasks to UAPs, the nurse should ensure that they have received appropriate training and have demonstrated competency in performing the delegated tasks safely and effectively.
✓ The nurse should provide clear instructions when delegating tasks to UAPs. This includes explaining the task, the expected outcomes, and any specific precautions or steps that need to be followed.
