Which of the following is an example of a non-urgent task suitable for delegation to UAP?

• A. Assist with activities of daily living
• B. Interpret lab results
• C. Administer IV medications
• D. Wound care assessment

Answer: (A)

Delegation to UAP is appropriate for non-urgent tasks that don’t require nursing assessment or clinical decision-making. Assisting with activities of daily living fits this well, since helping a patient with bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, and toileting keeps the patient comfortable and supported without needing medical interpretation. The other tasks involve clinical judgment or monitoring that require a licensed nurse: interpreting lab results needs data analysis and decisions about care; administering IV medications is a high-risk procedure requiring proper technique and monitoring for adverse effects; and wound care assessment involves evaluating healing progression, drainage, and signs of infection, which requires professional nursing assessment. So, assisting with activities of daily living is the appropriate non-urgent task to delegate to UAP.