What task should the nurse delegate to the UPA for a client with an AV fistula who missed hemodialysis and shows respiratory distress?

• A. Administer oxygen therapy
• B. Measure vital signs
• C. Administer prescribed diuretics
• D. Assist with patient bathing

Answer: (B)

Delegating the task of measuring vital signs to a Unlicensed Personal Assistant (UPA) is appropriate in this scenario because it is a fundamental nursing task that does not require the professional judgment and critical thinking skills of a registered nurse (RN). The accurate measurement of vital signs is crucial, especially for a client in respiratory distress, as it provides essential information regarding the client’s condition and the effectiveness of any interventions.

In this situation, monitoring vital signs can help assess the severity of the respiratory distress and guide further clinical decisions. The UPA can report any abnormalities in the vital signs back to the nurse, who can then interpret these findings in the context of the client’s overall health and devise an appropriate plan of care.

Other tasks, such as administering oxygen therapy or prescribed diuretics, require clinical judgment and certain qualifications that the UPA does not possess. Assisting with patient bathing, while a supportive task, does not address the immediate health concerns related to the missed hemodialysis and the client's respiratory distress. Thus, measuring vital signs effectively supports the nursing process and enhances patient safety while utilizing the UPA’s capabilities appropriately.