The charge nurse is planning vital sign assignments for the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) on a busy medical-surgical unit. Which patients are appropriate for the UAP to obtain vital signs?
A) A 28-year old patient scheduled to be discharged home today
B) A 49-year-old patient with stable chronic lung disease
C) A 78-year-old patient with recent onset of rectal bleeding
D) A 35-year-old patient waiting for transfer to a rehabilitation center
E) A 40-year-old patient being admitted from the emergency department

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Routine assessment of vital signs of a patient who is stable may be delegated to licensed practical or licensed vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) or qualified UAP. Initial and ongoing assessment of patients requiring critical care or who are unstable cannot be delegated to UAPs. The patient with rectal bleeding may need critical care, and a new admission needs to be assessed by an RN. Stable patients such as the patient with stable lung disease or awaiting discharge or transfer can be delegated to UAP.

The Charge Nurse Is Planning Vital Sign Assignments for the Unlicensed