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Difficulty: EasyAssignment, Delegation and Supervision

A registered nurse (RN) is providing care for a client who is receiving intravenous antibiotics for a localized skin infection. Which of the following activities is most appropriate for the RN to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

  1. Documenting the client's oral fluid intake during the shift.Answer
  2. B
    Assessing the intravenous insertion site for redness or swelling.
  3. C
    Explaining the importance of keeping the affected limb elevated.
  4. D
    Monitoring the client for early signs of an allergic reaction to the antibiotic.

Answer

Documenting the client's oral fluid intake during the shift.
Measuring and documenting intake and output (such as oral fluid intake) is a standard, unchanging procedure with a predictable outcome. It does not require nursing judgment, making it safe and appropriate to delegate to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the role and scope of practice of the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
The UAP can perform routine, standard, and non-invasive tasks such as hygiene, ambulation, and measuring intake and output.
Understanding the limitations of the UAP's role is necessary to ensure safe delegation.
2
Review the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) delegation guidelines.
The registered nurse cannot delegate tasks that involve the nursing process, specifically assessment, clinical judgment, teaching, or evaluation.
These activities require the specialized knowledge and critical thinking of a registered nurse.
3
Evaluate each option against the delegation guidelines.
Documenting oral fluid intake is a routine task. Assessing an IV site, explaining treatments, and monitoring for allergic reactions all require assessment, teaching, or clinical judgment.
Applying the rules of delegation isolates the only task that is safe and appropriate to assign to the UAP.

Key Concept

Delegation of routine tasks to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)
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Topics

Assignment, Delegation and Supervision

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