What tasks can the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel regarding a client in restraints?

Delegating tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) must be done with caution, particularly in the context of clients in restraints. When considering the responsibilities that can be assigned, it is essential to focus on tasks that do not require clinical judgment or assessment skills.

Assisting a client with a bedpan falls within the scope of UAP duties as it involves basic personal care and does not necessitate specific nursing knowledge or skills. This task primarily requires assistance in positioning and hygiene, which UAP are trained to perform.

In contrast, tasks such as checking pulses and sensation of extremities, observing the skin for signs of impairment, and turning and repositioning the client in bed involve a greater degree of assessment and monitoring of the client's condition. These responsibilities demand nursing judgment, which UAP are not equipped to provide since they lack the required training in nursing assessment and critical thinking.

Thus, in the context of a client in restraints, the allowance of UAP to assist with basic personal care like using a bedpan is appropriate, while more complex or assessment-oriented tasks must remain the responsibility of licensed nursing staff.