The nurse and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are caring for four clients on a telemetry unit. Which nursing task would be best for the nurse to delegate to the UAP?
A.
Assist the client to take the beta-blocker.
B.
Transport the client to the intensive care unit via a stretcher
C.
Provide the client going home discharge-teaching instructions
D.
Help position the client who is having a portable x-ray done
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: D. Help position the client who is having a portable x-ray done
Explanation:
Delegation is a critical skill in nursing, where the nurse must assign tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) appropriately to ensure that patient care is efficient and safe. The nurse must consider the scope of practice, the complexity of the task, and the current condition of the client before deciding what tasks to delegate.
Option A: Assist the client to take the beta-blocker.
This option is not appropriate for delegation to a UAP because administering medication, including assisting with medication administration, is a nursing task that requires clinical judgment and knowledge of the medication’s effects, potential side effects, and necessary assessments (e.g., checking blood pressure before administering a beta-blocker). UAPs do not have the training or licensure to perform tasks that require clinical judgment.
Option B: Transport the client to the intensive care unit via a stretcher.
While UAPs can typically assist with client transportation, this particular scenario involves transporting a client to the intensive care unit (ICU), which suggests that the client’s condition could be critical or unstable. The nurse should be involved in this task to monitor the client’s status during transport, as an unstable client may require interventions that are beyond the scope of practice for a UAP.
Option C: Provide the client going home discharge-teaching instructions.
Discharge teaching is a critical aspect of nursing care that involves assessing the client’s understanding, providing education, and ensuring that the client is fully informed about medications, follow-up care, and signs of complications. This task requires a professional nurse’s knowledge and clinical judgment to ensure that the instructions are clear, accurate, and tailored to the client’s needs.
Option D: Help position the client who is having a portable x-ray done.
This is the most appropriate task to delegate to the UAP. Positioning a client for a portable x-ray is a routine, non-invasive task that falls within the UAP’s scope of practice. It does not require complex clinical judgment or decision-making. The UAP can assist with ensuring the client is correctly positioned and comfortable while the x-ray is performed, under the direction of the nurse or radiology technician.
In conclusion, the correct answer is D because it involves a straightforward task that is well within the capabilities of the UAP, allowing the nurse to focus on tasks that require more specialized knowledge and clinical judgment. Proper delegation enhances efficiency, ensures patient safety, and allows the nurse to manage time and resources effectively while maintaining high standards of care.