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Difficulty: EasyAssignment, Delegation and Supervision

A registered nurse (RN) is providing care for a client who is two days post-operative following a total knee arthroplasty. The nurse is working alongside an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which of the following tasks is most appropriate for the nurse to delegate to the UAP?

  1. Assisting the client with morning hygiene and applying anti-embolism stockingsAnswer
  2. B
    Assessing the surgical incision site for signs of infection or delayed healing
  3. C
    Demonstrating the correct technique for using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump
  4. D
    Evaluating the client's pain level thirty minutes after administering oral analgesics

Answer

Assisting the client with morning hygiene and applying anti-embolism stockings
Assisting with morning hygiene and applying anti-embolism stockings are standard, routine procedures that do not require independent nursing judgment. These tasks are highly appropriate to delegate to a UAP for a stable post-operative client, allowing the RN to focus on more complex care needs.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the scope of practice and role of the UAP.
The UAP can safely perform routine, standard, non-invasive tasks such as hygiene, feeding, and mobility assistance for stable clients.
Understanding the baseline capabilities of support staff ensures safe and legal delegation.
2
Evaluate each task against the RN's non-delegable responsibilities.
Tasks involving assessing the incision, teaching about the PCA, and evaluating pain fall under Evaluation, Assessment, and Teaching (EAT).
The RN cannot delegate clinical judgment or any part of the nursing process to unlicensed personnel.

Key Concept

Delegation of Routine Tasks to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Assignment, Delegation and Supervision

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