Which staff assignment made by a primary nurse requires immediate follow-up from the charge nurse on a medical unit?

The assignment of a UAP (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel) to check a client for fecal impaction necessitates immediate follow-up from the charge nurse due to the nature of this task. Checking for fecal impaction requires clinical judgment and assessment skills that go beyond the scope of practice for UAPs. This type of procedure is typically performed by a registered nurse or a healthcare provider who is qualified to assess the patient’s condition and interpret findings, as it involves understanding anatomy, recognizing abnormal signs, and implementing appropriate care based on the assessment.

In contrast, the other assignments—cleaning the unit, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with bathing—are all within the roles and responsibilities of UAPs or registered nurses. Cleaning the unit is a standard function for UAPs, monitoring vital signs is an appropriate task for registered nurses, and bathing assistance is also a routine task that UAPs can competently perform. Therefore, the unique complexity and requirement for advanced assessment in checking for fecal impaction underline the necessity for immediate follow-up on that specific assignment.