A nurse on the surgical floor has several clients who had surgery during the day. Which of the following actions can this nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.)
A) Encouraging the use of the incentive spirometer
B) Outlining drainage present on dressings
C) Providing comfort measures
D) Recording output from drains
E) Taking vital signs

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Once the client has been taught the use of the incentive spirometer and the nurse has completed a respiratory assessment, the UAP can encourage the client to use the device and reinforce correct technique. The UAP can provide nonpharmacologic comfort measures such as back rubs or positioning and can assist with surveillance for pain relief. The nurse should ensure that drains are secured and appropriately labeled; then the UAP can empty and record the drainage. The nurse should instruct the UAP on frequency of drain emptying and on the frequency of vital signs, which is also within the scope of a UAP's practice. However, the registered nurse should assess all drainage on dressings and outline the amount to establish a baseline. New or increased drainage is immediately reportable by the UAP to the RN.

A Nurse on the Surgical Floor Has Several Clients Who