The nurse and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are caring for clients in the ED. Which task would be most appropriate to delegate to the UAP?

• A. Tell the UAP to take the vital signs of a client with a gunshot wound to the chest.
• B. Instruct the UAP to flush the eyes of a client who splashed bleach in the eyes.
• C. Ask the UAP to use the Rule of Nines to determine the percentage body surface burned.
• D. Request the UAP complete the discharge teaching for the client diagnosed with scabies.

Answer: (B)

Focusing on delegation, tasks should be ones that don’t require nursing judgment or advanced clinical skills. Initiating eye irrigation after a chemical splash is a straightforward, time-critical first aid action that a UAP can perform under supervision. Copious irrigation minimizes ocular injury and is primarily an immediate safety measure, not a clinical decision, so it’s appropriate for delegation while the nurse prepares further care and monitoring.

The other tasks require nursing assessment, interpretation, or education. Taking vital signs for a patient with a gunshot wound to the chest involves ongoing monitoring and recognizing signs of deterioration. Using the Rule of Nines to estimate burn area requires clinical calculation and judgment. Discharge teaching for scabies involves structured patient education and assessment of understanding.