Which task is appropriate for a nurse to assign to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

Assigning the task of emptying a urinary drainage bag to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is appropriate and falls within the scope of tasks that UAP are trained to perform. This task does not require clinical judgment or advanced nursing skills, making it suitable for UAP, as it is a straightforward procedure that involves non-invasive technical skills.

Emptying a urinary drainage bag is a routine procedure that is part of basic care, and it allows nurses to optimize their time for more complex clinical tasks that require professional nursing skills, such as patient assessment and medication administration. It is also essential for maintaining patient hygiene and comfort, as well as preventing complications related to urinary output management.

In contrast, assessing a patient's vital signs requires the ability to interpret those vital signs in the context of the patient’s overall condition, which is a task that should be performed by a licensed nurse. Changing a sterile dressing involves maintaining aseptic technique and understanding the implications of the wound, which is also a task that requires nursing knowledge and decision-making. Administering medication is a critical nursing function that necessitates knowledge about pharmacology, patient safety, and the effects of medications, making it inappropriate for UAP to perform without supervision.

Thus, emptying a urinary drainage bag