What tasks can the nurse delegate to UAP for a client with COPD experiencing difficulty eating due to shortness of breath?

The delegation of tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) should focus on those that do not require clinical judgment and are within the scope of their training. Assisting a client with eating small, frequent high-calorie meals is appropriate for UAP because it involves physical assistance and support rather than clinical assessment or education, which are outside their scope of practice.

When a client with COPD experiences shortness of breath while eating, providing assistance with the physical task of eating—especially with small, nutrient-dense meals that are better tolerated—can help address their nutritional needs without overwhelming them. This approach aligns with promoting optimal health and comfort for the client.

Encouraging rest between bites, monitoring respiratory rates, and providing education on meal planning require a level of clinical judgment and patient assessment skills that fall under the nurse's responsibilities. These tasks generally involve understanding the client’s condition and the ability to interpret their reactions or responses during meals, which a UAP may not be equipped to handle effectively.