Which action is appropriate for a UAP to perform during patient care in the ED?

• A. Administer antidotes as prescribed.
• B. Flush the eyes with normal saline after chemical splash.
• C. Prepare and interpret ABG results.
• D. Discharge teaching for medications.

Answer: (B)

Understanding what a UAP can do in the ED hinges on scope of practice and the need for rapid, nonclinical tasks. When a chemical splash occurs to the eye, the immediate priority is to begin flushing with normal saline to dilute and remove the chemical. This is a straightforward, time-sensitive decontamination step that does not require nursing assessment or interpretation, so it’s appropriate for a UAP after proper instruction and under supervision.

Administering antidotes requires medication administration and clinical judgment. Preparing and interpreting arterial blood gas results involves assessment and expertise. Providing discharge teaching for medications requires in-depth nursing education and evaluation of the patient’s understanding. These tasks fall outside the UAP scope, which is why they aren’t appropriate choices.