The nurse is supervising the care of four clients. Which does the nurse delegate to the UAP to promote client hygiene?

Question

1. Complete a bed bath for an unconscious client.
2. Teach a client proper technique for cutting nails.
3. Give oral care to client with a cervical spine injury.
4. Give warm foot soak to client with arterial foot ulcer.

Answer 1

1
1. The nurse delegates bathing to the UAP because the UAP is educated and trained to perform complete bed baths on unconscious clients.
2. The nurse teaches clients about nail trimming because teaching requires nursing judgment and assessment skills.
3. The nurse reserves providing oral care to the client with a cervical spine injury be-cause the client's spine must remain in straight alignment, thus making oral care dif-ficult. The client cannot turn to the side or turn the head to assist with oral care, in-creasing the risk of aspiration, so the nurse protects the airway and prevents aspiration or choking of oral secretions by suctioning.
4. A client with arterial foot ulcers has impaired perfusion to the extremity and war-rants extremely cautious foot care. Clients with peripheral arterial disease visit a po-diatrist for foot care. Even if this treatment was performed for the client, the nurse should perform the soak because of the high risk of potential injury to the client.