Which task is commonly within the scope of a UAP?

Which task is commonly within the scope of a UAP?

• A. Administer IV meds
• B. Assess patient
• C. Passive/active ROM exercises
• D. Develop care plan

Answer: (C)

The key idea is what tasks can be safely delegated to someone who isn’t a licensed nurse. Unlicensed Assistive Personnel can handle routine, nonjudgmental tasks and activities that support patient care, without needing clinical decision-making. Helping patients with range of motion exercises fits this. ROM exercises—especially passive ROM, where the patient cannot move the joint themselves—are performed under supervision to prevent contractures and maintain joint flexibility. Even active ROM can be supported by an aide if the patient can participate, but the crucial point is that ROM tasks don’t require the nurse to assess, interpret data, or create a care plan. Administering IV medications requires specialized nursing skills and licensure, including medication administration competencies. Assessing the patient and developing a care plan involve nursing judgment, data gathering, interpretation, and planning, which are within the RN scope, not the UAP’s. So, the task commonly within the UAP scope is assisting with passive and active ROM exercises.

The key idea is what tasks can be safely delegated to someone who isn’t a licensed nurse. Unlicensed Assistive Personnel can handle routine, nonjudgmental tasks and activities that support patient care, without needing clinical decision-making.

Helping patients with range of motion exercises fits this. ROM exercises—especially passive ROM, where the patient cannot move the joint themselves—are performed under supervision to prevent contractures and maintain joint flexibility. Even active ROM can be supported by an aide if the patient can participate, but the crucial point is that ROM tasks don’t require the nurse to assess, interpret data, or create a care plan.

Administering IV medications requires specialized nursing skills and licensure, including medication administration competencies. Assessing the patient and developing a care plan involve nursing judgment, data gathering, interpretation, and planning, which are within the RN scope, not the UAP’s.

So, the task commonly within the UAP scope is assisting with passive and active ROM exercises.