Which task can be delegated to UAP in caring for patients?

The task of documenting input and output can be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) because it involves collecting and recording data rather than making clinical judgments or assessments. UAPs are trained to measure and document various parameters, such as the amount of fluids a patient consumes and eliminates, which is essential for monitoring a patient's status. This task is straightforward and does not require a nursing license, making it appropriate to assign to UAPs while allowing licensed nurses to focus on more complex aspects of patient care.

Other tasks, such as monitoring IV fluids, administering medication, and providing patient education, require specialized knowledge and critical thinking skills that UAPs typically do not possess. Monitoring IV fluids involves assessing the patient's response and making decisions based on their condition, while administering medication requires a comprehensive understanding of pharmacology, patient assessments, and the implications of medication errors. Similarly, providing patient education necessitates the ability to assess learning needs and adapt information for effective teaching, which is beyond the scope of practice for UAPs.