UAP task appropriateness
Question
An RN on an adult orthopedic unit is planning work for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). For each task, indicate whether it is appropriate or not appropriate to assign to UAP.
| Row | Appropriate for UAP | Not appropriate for UAP |
|---|---|---|
| Collect routine vital signs for a client whose condition is stable after elective joint replacement | ✓ Correct | Not correct |
| Perform a licensed nursing assessment of the surgical incision to stage tissue injury | Not correct | ✓ Correct |
| Assist a stable client with bathing and toileting after morning physical therapy | ✓ Correct | Not correct |
| Independently teach a new opioid weaning plan before discharge | Not correct | ✓ Correct |
Answer
Collect routine vital signs for a client whose condition is stable after elective joint replacement: Appropriate for UAP · Perform a licensed nursing assessment of the surgical incision to stage tissue injury: Not appropriate for UAP · Assist a stable client with bathing and toileting after morning physical therapy: Appropriate for UAP · Independently teach a new opioid weaning plan before discharge: Not appropriate for UAP
Rationale
UAP may gather routine vitals and help with hygiene for stable clients. Staging tissue injury and delivering original client teaching require licensed clinical judgment and stay with the nurse.
Sources
Sources marked “Adapted from” are licensed under CC BY 4.0. We changed the material: its facts are rewritten into an original question, answer options and rationale. The original authors and publishers do not endorse SwipeExam.
- Adapted from Open RN Nursing Management and Professional Concepts, 2nd edition: DELEGATION AND SUPERVISION
- Adapted from Open RN Health Alterations: Chapter 1 Leadership Principles
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