An RN on a gastroenterology unit is planning care for a group of clients. Which of the following tasks are appropriate for the RN to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? Select all that apply.
- Assisting a client who is 2 days post-appendectomy with ambulation in the hallwayAnswer
- Emptying the ostomy pouch and recording the output for a client with an established colostomyAnswer
- CEvaluating the effectiveness of intravenous ondansetron administered to a client with acute cholecystitis
- DTeaching a client with a newly created ileostomy how to properly measure the stoma for a skin barrier
- EObtaining the initial admission vital signs for a client transferred from the emergency department with active gastrointestinal bleeding
- Providing perineal care and applying moisture barrier ointment for a client experiencing frequent diarrheaAnswer
Answer
The appropriate tasks to delegate to the UAP are assisting the post-appendectomy client with ambulation, emptying the established colostomy pouch, and providing perineal care.
According to delegation guidelines, the RN may safely delegate routine, standard tasks that have predictable outcomes to a UAP for clinically stable clients. Assisting a stable postoperative client with ambulation, emptying an established colostomy pouch, and providing basic hygiene (perineal care) all fall within the UAP's scope of practice.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Delegation of routine, standard tasks to UAP for stable clients while retaining assessment, teaching, and evaluation.