When delegating, which task should not be assigned to an LPN if a UAP can perform it?

When delegating, which task should not be assigned to an LPN if a UAP can perform it?

• A. Pain level assessment
• B. Vital signs
• C. Ostomy care
• D. Tube patency and enteral feeding

Answer: (B)

Delegation relies on matching tasks to the level of training that can perform them safely. UAPs are appropriate for routine, noninvasive data collection and supportive activities, while licensed personnel handle tasks that require nursing assessment, interpretation, or intervention. Measuring and recording vital signs fits this routine data-collection role. It is a stable, repeatable task that UAPs can perform after basic training, and they report any abnormal findings to the licensed nurse. Pain level assessment, ostomy care, and monitoring tube patency with enteral feeding require nursing judgment, specialized skills, and potential intervention plans, so they should remain with the licensed clinician rather than the UAP. So, since a UAP can perform routine vitals, this is the task you’d assign to the UAP rather than the LPN, while reserving the other tasks for licensed staff.

Delegation relies on matching tasks to the level of training that can perform them safely. UAPs are appropriate for routine, noninvasive data collection and supportive activities, while licensed personnel handle tasks that require nursing assessment, interpretation, or intervention.

Measuring and recording vital signs fits this routine data-collection role. It is a stable, repeatable task that UAPs can perform after basic training, and they report any abnormal findings to the licensed nurse. Pain level assessment, ostomy care, and monitoring tube patency with enteral feeding require nursing judgment, specialized skills, and potential intervention plans, so they should remain with the licensed clinician rather than the UAP.

So, since a UAP can perform routine vitals, this is the task you’d assign to the UAP rather than the LPN, while reserving the other tasks for licensed staff.