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? (Select all that apply.)
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
ANS: A, B, D
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 cannot be delegated to UAPs. Initial patient assessment of unstable patients cannot be delegated to LPNs/LVNs. LPNs/LVNs may contribute to the ongoing assessment of patients and document their observations and care. The patient with rectal bleeding needs 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.
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