During a shift, which task is appropriate to delegate to a UAP?

• A. Repositioning a client who has an external fixator.
• B. Dosing intravenous antibiotics.
• C. Interpreting laboratory results.
• D. Writing a nursing care plan.

Answer: (A)

Delegation to a UAP works best for routine, stable tasks that don’t require nursing assessment or clinical decision making. Repositioning a client who has an external fixator fits this well. It’s a standard safety and comfort measure: the patient is moved to prevent pressure injuries, and with clear instructions and a stable condition, the UAP can perform it without altering the treatment plan or interpreting data. The nurse remains responsible for ensuring the fixation hardware is not disturbed, monitoring for pain or pin-site issues, and handling any signs of complications.

Dosing intravenous antibiotics requires medication administration and close monitoring for reactions, which demands nursing licensure and clinical judgment. Interpreting laboratory results involves analysis and decision making about the patient’s condition. Writing a nursing care plan is part of the professional nursing process and cannot be delegated.