Which intervention related to personal care for a client in acute pain can be performed by unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

Distraction techniques are appropriate interventions that unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) can perform for clients experiencing acute pain. These techniques might include playing calming music, providing a comforting presence, or engaging the client in conversation or light activities. These methods can help divert the client's attention from pain, providing a non-pharmacological approach to pain management.

UAPs are trained to assist with supportive care, including providing comfort through distraction, which does not require advanced medical knowledge or the authority to administer treatment. This allows healthcare professionals to focus on more complex tasks while supporting the patient's emotional and psychological needs.

In contrast, administering prescribed pain medication requires direct nursing or medical supervision due to the potential for adverse effects and the need for knowledge regarding dosage and contraindications. Monitoring vital signs is a task typically reserved for licensed personnel who can interpret the data and take necessary actions based on clinical judgment. Assisting with range of motion exercises usually requires trained staff to ensure that the exercises are performed safely and effectively, particularly in patients experiencing acute pain.