Which tasks can the registered nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) for a postoperative client?

The correct choice involves tasks that can be safely delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) while ensuring that patient care remains effective and safe. Assisting a postoperative client to the bathroom is a fundamental task that UAP are trained to perform, as it generally involves aiding a client with mobility and basic personal care. This type of assistance does not require clinical judgment or complex decision-making, making it an appropriate task for UAP who can help facilitate the client's comfort and independence post-surgery.

In contrast, deciding if supplemental oxygen is necessary requires clinical assessment and the professional judgment of a licensed nurse or physician. Documenting vital signs in the medical record, although UAP can measure and report vital signs, is typically a task reserved for licensed personnel to ensure accuracy and accountability in medical records. Additionally, notifying the nurse if the client's respirations exceed 20/min is also a task that, while it may involve observation by UAP, requires the nurse to take appropriate action based on clinical knowledge, thus making it a responsibility that should remain with licensed staff.

In sum, the task of assisting a client to the bathroom is well within the UAP's scope of practice, while the other options involve responsibilities that require clinical evaluation and decision-making that only