Which nursing action is not within the scope of practice for a UAP?

• A. Taking routine vital signs
• B. Performing a nursing assessment
• C. Assisting with hygiene
• D. Repositioning a patient

Answer: (B)

This question tests the difference between tasks a UAP can perform and activities that require nursing assessment and clinical judgment. UAPs handle routine, observable care such as taking routine vital signs, assisting with hygiene, and repositioning a patient to prevent complications. These tasks involve data collection or help with daily living and do not require interpreting findings or making clinical decisions. A nursing assessment, however, involves systematically gathering and interpreting patient data, identifying actual or potential health problems, and planning or adjusting care based on that analysis. That level of evaluation and judgment is reserved for licensed nurses. Therefore, performing a nursing assessment is not within the UAP’s scope of practice.