The nurse is identifying activities and skills to delegate to unlicens

The nurse is identifying activities and skills to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which action can the nurse safely delegate?

1. Provide oral fluids to a newly extubated client.
2. Irrigate the indwelling urinary catheter of a client recovering from prostate surgery.
3. Apply a wrist restraint to a client.
4. Administer oral pain medication to a client before the client attends physical therapy.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Providing oral fluid to a newly extubated client should be done first by the nurse, so the client can be assessed for ability to safely swallow.
Rationale 2: Irrigating an indwelling urinary catheter is beyond the scope for UAP.
Rationale 3: Application of ordered restraints and their temporary removal for skin monitoring and care may be delegated to UAP who have been trained in their use.
Rationale 4: Administering medication is beyond the scope for UAP.