What task can a registered nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel?

Delegating tasks involves understanding which responsibilities are appropriate for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) based on their training and scope of practice. The correct choice—ambulating an oxygen-dependent client to the bathroom—aligns with the UAP's role, as it involves basic patient mobility support that does not require specialized nursing knowledge or critical thinking.

Ambulation refers to the act of walking, and while it is crucial to assess the client’s stability and safety prior to moving them, once a client is deemed stable, UAP can safely assist in their movement. In the case of an oxygen-dependent client, nurses may provide general instructions on how to manage their oxygen setup during ambulation, making this task suitable for UAP while ensuring the client's safety.

Conversely, the other options involve responsibilities that require more advanced nursing judgment and critical thinking skills. For instance, documenting vital signs such as pulse oximetry requires assessing clinical significance and interpreting data, which goes beyond the scope of a UAP's training. Instructing a client about medical equipment (like an incentive spirometer) calls for in-depth knowledge and an understanding of patient education principles, which is a fundamental nursing responsibility. Lastly, performing a detailed assessment of a newly admitted patient requires comprehensive clinical