Which infection control activity should the nurse delegate to an experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

A. While this situation raises ethical considerations, particularly regarding adolescent confidentiality, the nurse is not justified in overriding the client's right to confidentiality solely based on the request. In many jurisdictions, minors may have the right to confidentiality about reproductive health issues, though this can vary.
B. The nurse is generally required to respect this client's confidentiality. Unless there is a specific safety concern (e.g., domestic violence), the nurse should honor the client's request to keep this information private. Confidentiality should be upheld unless there is a clear and immediate risk of harm.
C. In this situation, the nurse may be justified in overriding the client’s confidentiality due to the disclosure of potential abuse. Healthcare professionals are often mandated reporters in cases of suspected abuse or neglect, particularly involving vulnerable populations such as older adults. The nurse has a duty to report this situation to ensure the safety of the client.
D. A client's wish not to know their diagnostic results does not justify overriding their confidentiality. The nurse must respect the client’s autonomy and decision-making regarding their own health information. The nurse should provide support and discuss the implications of this decision but should not disclose the results without the client’s consent.

A. This task is appropriate for UAP, as it involves basic hygiene care. UAP can assist with routine oral care
B. Assisting with repositioning is a basic care activity that UAP can perform. This helps prevent pressure ulcers and maintains client comfort, and it does not require advanced clinical skills.
C. Administering IV fluids or medications requires specialized training and knowledge of nursing assessments, potential complications, and monitoring. This task should only be performed by a licensed nurse, not by UAP.
D. UAP can document basic measurements such as urine output. This is a straightforward task that does not require clinical judgment, but the UAP should understand how to accurately measure and record this information.
E. While UAP can observe and report general changes, monitoring for clinical indications of dehydration requires nursing assessment skills and judgment. This task should be performed by an RN, as it involves interpreting signs and symptoms.
F. UAP can weigh clients, but the assessment of weight trends requires clinical judgment and interpretation of data. The RN should evaluate and interpret this information to determine its significance in the client's care.