The registered nurse (RN) delegates client assignments to a licensed practical/vocational (LPN/VN) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which client assignment should be delegated to a UAP? A client
The registered nurse (RN) delegates client assignments to a licensed practical/vocational (LPN/VN) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which client assignment should be delegated to a UAP? A client
A. newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and requires teaching.
[1%]
B. admitted with atrial fibrillation that requires vital signs every three hours
[80%]
C. immediately postoperative following total hip arthroplasty that is reporting pain.
[2%]
D. ready for discharge and requires reinforcement of discharge instruction.
[17%]
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 B is correct. Vital sign assessment is a routine task that can be safely delegated to UAP, especially when there are clear protocols and parameters in place for monitoring.
Choice A is incorrect. Client education, especially regarding a newly diagnosed condition like hypothyroidism, requires a higher level of nursing knowledge and critical thinking. Delegating teaching responsibilities to UAP is not be appropriate
Choice C is incorrect. Postoperative care, especially immediately following surgery, requires specialized knowledge and skills in monitoring for complications, managing pain, and implementing postoperative protocols. These tasks are typically within the scope of licensed nursing practice and should not be delegated to UAP. Pain management, in particular, requires assessment, administration of pain medications, and evaluation of effectiveness, which are responsibilities of licensed nurses.
Choice D is incorrect. Reinforcing discharge instructions often involves providing information to clients and caregivers about medications, follow-up appointments, activity restrictions, and self-care measures. While some aspects of discharge instruction may be delegated to UAP under the supervision of a licensed nurse, ensuring comprehensive understanding and addressing any questions or concerns requires the assessment and critical thinking skills of a licensed nurse.
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6 Key Topics
UAP Delegation
15.7 Delegation
LPN Delegation
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Scope of Practice Overview
15.7 Delegation
Additional Info
✓ Effective collaboration among healthcare team members, including RNs, LPN/VNs, and UAPs, is essential for providing safe and quality client care.
✓ Delegation is a critical skill for nurses to prioritize tasks and allocate responsibilities based on individual competence and scope of practice. When delegating tasks, nurses should consider the complexity of the task, the stability of the client's condition, the competency of the UAP, and any relevant policies or guidelines.
✓ Clear communication, role clarification, and mutual respect are important aspects of collaboration to ensure that tasks are delegated appropriately and executed effectively.
