A nurse who works in a long-term care facility is delegating aspects of client care to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which assignment(s) should the nurse delegate? (Select all that apply.)
A.
Identify locations of skin lesions on a newly admitted client.
B.
Empty the ostomy bag for a client with a temporary colostomy.
C.
Provide a complete bed bath for a comatose client.
D.
Perform foot care including toenail trimming and heel care.
E.
Give mouth care to an elderly client who has a tracheostomy.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
In delegating tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in a long-term care facility, the nurse must ensure that the tasks are appropriate for the UAP’s level of training and that they do not involve complex clinical judgments or assessments. Here’s the correct answer along with a detailed explanation:
Correct Answers: B, C
Explanation:
- Option B: Empty the ostomy bag for a client with a temporary colostomy.
This task is appropriate for delegation to a UAP. It is a routine procedure that does not require specialized clinical knowledge or the ability to make complex decisions. The UAP can perform this task safely by following established protocols and guidelines. Proper hygiene and technique are important, but these can be taught to UAPs, making this task suitable for delegation. - Option C: Provide a complete bed bath for a comatose client.
Providing a bed bath to a comatose client involves routine personal care and does not require clinical assessment or decision-making. It is within the scope of tasks UAPs can perform. The UAP should be trained in proper techniques and hygiene practices, but the task itself is straightforward and suitable for delegation.
Incorrect Answers:
- Option A: Identify locations of skin lesions on a newly admitted client.
This task requires clinical judgment and assessment skills to identify and document skin lesions, which may be indicative of various health conditions. This level of assessment is typically beyond the scope of UAPs, who are not trained to make such evaluations. - Option D: Perform foot care including toenail trimming and heel care.
Foot care, particularly toenail trimming and heel care, often involves considerations related to underlying health conditions like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. This task requires clinical judgment and specialized knowledge to avoid complications, making it more appropriate for a licensed nurse. - Option E: Give mouth care to an elderly client who has a tracheostomy.
Mouth care for a client with a tracheostomy requires careful consideration of the client’s airway and respiratory status, which involves clinical judgment and a higher level of training. This task is better suited for a licensed nurse who can assess the client’s needs and prevent potential complications.
In summary, tasks that involve routine personal care and do not require clinical judgment or complex decision-making, such as emptying an ostomy bag and providing a bed bath, are appropriate for delegation to UAPs. However, tasks requiring assessment, specialized knowledge, or clinical decision-making should be performed by licensed nurses.