When delegating to UAP (unlicensed assistive personnel), which assignment is appropriate for the nurse to delegate?

Delegating tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is an important aspect of nursing that requires careful consideration of the competencies and scope of practice of the UAP, as well as the specific needs of the patients.

Performing foot care, including toenail trimming and heel care, is an appropriate task for UAP because it is a routine aspect of patient hygiene that does not require nursing judgment or assessment skills. UAP are trained to assist with basic hygiene, which includes cleaning, moisturizing, and caring for the feet of patients, particularly those who may be unable to do so themselves due to conditions like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. This task is straightforward and can be performed safely by UAP under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

In contrast, administering prescribed medications, conducting a vital signs assessment, and developing a care plan all require clinical judgment, assessment skills, or a level of training that UAP typically do not possess. Administering medications involves understanding pharmacology and potential side effects, conducting vital sign assessments requires the ability to interpret the results, and developing a care plan necessitates comprehensive clinical knowledge and the ability to analyze complex patient data. Thus, while UAP can assist with many tasks, those that involve critical thinking, assessment