After receiving a change of shift report for clients on a medical surgical unit, which task should the nurse assign to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Insert a urinary catheter for an uncomplicated client: Inserting a urinary catheter is a skill that requires sterile technique and is within the scope of practice for licensed nurses, not UAPs. B. Assist a client on strict bedrest with hygiene: Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, grooming, and perineal care, is a core competency for UAPs. Even though the client is on strict bedrest, providing hygiene is a routine, non-invasive task that does not require clinical judgment or nursing assessment. The UAP can safely perform this while maintaining the client's prescribed position. C. Monitor an IV infusion rate on an established schedule: Monitoring IV infusion rates involves assessing the client’s response and is a nursing responsibility that requires licensure. D. Titrate oxygen to the prescribed parameters: Titrating oxygen involves adjusting the flow based on the client’s condition and requires nursing judgment, making it unsuitable for delegation to a UAP.