Author Question: The nurse is planning care for a group of patients and is deciding upon which activities to delegate ... (Read 81 times)

karateprodigy · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

The nurse is planning care for a group of patients and is deciding upon which activities to delegate to an experienced UAP. Which activities should the nurse plan to do, rather than delegate to the UAP? Select all that apply.

1. Helping the patient get up in the chair at bedside.
2. Feeding a patient who had a cerebral vascular accident 3 years ago.
3. Monitoring an intravenous line for infiltration.
4. Monitoring vital signs on a newly admitted patient who is diagnosed with myocardial infarction.
5. Deciding to use an as needed order to administer an over-the-counter medication for a patient complaint of a headache.

Question 2

The nurse finds it necessary to monitor the progress of a task delegated to a UAP. What intervention is appropriate in this situation?

1. Tell the UAP, I am not certain you can do this task.
2. Intervene only if it becomes absolutely necessary.
3. Plan to choose a more senior UAP for the task next time.
4. Plan to delegate only to those who are well experienced with the task next time.

heyhey123 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

3, 4, 5
Explanation: 1. This is a standard intervention that does not require the special skills of a nurse. It can be delegated.
2. Since this patient had a CVA several years ago and there is no indication of critical difficult swallowing, feeding does not require the advanced skills of a nurse. It can be delegated.
3. This skill requires the judgment and skills of a nurse. It cannot be delegated. The UAP can ask the nurse to assess the IV site if the UAP believes that there is a problem.
4. This patient is in a potentially risky situation. Vital signs should be monitored by a nurse.
5. Assessing a patient and deciding to use an as needed order to administer medication requires the advanced skills of a nurse.

Answer to Question 2

2
Explanation: 1. Instruction and feedback should be positive and given with a helping attitude.
2. This is the best intervention. The nurse should monitor the UAP's performance of the task and should be certain there is no safety issue, but should not hover over the UAP.
3. Seniority does not guarantee that the UAP is competent with the task.
4. The nurse should delegate to competent staff, but should also help staff learn the skills necessary to become competent. If the nurse never delegates tasks to those less skilled, those UAPs will not grow. The nurse should plan closer observation of these UAPs.