All nursing staff on the medical unit are responsible for implementing a new interdisciplinary fall prevention protocol. Which tasks are appropriate for the registered nurse (RN) to delegate to the UAP to promote client safety? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The RN can safely delegate the following tasks to the UAP to promote client safety during toileting and ambulating: Place the bedside commode, assistive devices (eg, canes, walkers), and personal belongings (eg, eyeglasses, hearing aids, cell phones) as close to the client as possible Remind the client of the importance of changing position slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension Report observations of changes in the client's condition (eg, level of consciousness, vital signs, pain level) immediately Keep the bed in the lowest position (locked) as it reduces the distance to the floor in the event of a fall Provide nonskid footwear for the client before ambulating Keep the environment dry and free of clutter and obstacles (eg, intravenous infusion device tubing and poles, electronic device wires and cords) (Option A) The risk of falling is highest on the night of admission. Clients wake in the middle of the night, attempt to get up unassisted in unfamiliar surroundings, and fall. Client orientation and teaching are the responsibilities of the RN and are not appropriate to delegate to the UAP. (Option E) Alterations in gait, balance, and range of motion places the client at a higher risk for falling. Evaluating the client for gait and balance deficits requires assessment and is a function of the registered nurse. The UAP may assist the client in ambulating with assistive devices, but evaluating and educating are not delegated. Educational objective: Most client falls are unobserved and occur in the client's room or bathroom. Assessment, client orientation, and teaching are the responsibilities of the RN and are not appropriate to delegate to the UAP.

All Nursing Staff on the Medical Unit Are Responsible for Implementing