Question

The nurse on the unit is determining which activities may be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Assuming the UAP is competent which one of the following activities may be safely delegated by the registered nurse?

a.) an admission history on a new patient

b.) administration of tylenol for pain that was prepared by the nurse

c.) obtaining vital signs on an unstable patient

Answer 1

Answer-

Activity that may be safely delegated by the registered nurse to the UAP is:

c.) Obtaining vital signs on an unstable patient.

The reason for delegating this activity to the UAP is that she is competent in observing and reporting clinical and treatment information of the patient which includes patient's behavioural changes.

But the option (b) is incorrect because the UAPs are not certified to distribute medications or insert any tubing in the patient. So, the UAP cannot be assigned to administer Tylenol for pain to the patient. But the UAP can perform the medication administration technical tasks to assist the RN.

Option (a) cannot be assigned to the UAP as the preparation of admission history of a new patient requires experience and decision making abilities. But the UAP cannot be assigned for making judgements and decisions regarding a new patient.