A nurse is leading a team that includes another RN and two UCPs. A new admission arrives who requires a complete head-to-toe assessment, vital signs every 15 minutes, and a psychosocial assessment. Another client needs assistance with ambulation and toileting. How should the RN delegate these tasks?

Question: A nurse is leading a team that includes another RN and two UCPs. A new admission arrives who requires a complete head-to-toe assessment, vital signs every 15 minutes, and a psychosocial assessment. Another client needs assistance with ambulation and toileting. How should the RN delegate these tasks?

Answer options:

• Delegate the head-to-toe and psychosocial assessment to the other RN, and assign vital signs to a UCP. ✅ Perform the head-to-toe and psychosocial assessment, delegate frequent vital signs to the other RN, and assign ambulation/toileting to a UCP.
• Delegate all vital signs and ambulation/toileting to the UCPs, and the assessments to the other RN.
• Assign the other RN to assist with ambulation and toileting, while the RN completes all assessments and vital signs.

Correct answer: Perform the head-to-toe and psychosocial assessment, delegate frequent vital signs to the other RN, and assign ambulation/toileting to a UCP.

Explanation: The RN is responsible for performing the initial comprehensive assessments (head-to-toe and psychosocial) on a new admission. Frequent vital signs for an unstable client can be delegated to another RN, who has the skills to interpret and respond to changes. Assisting with ambulation and toileting is within the scope of a UCP.