LPN Delegation and Supervision for UAP 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A UAP caring for multiple patients asks the LPN which task to do first. The LPN should base prioritization on:
- The order in which patient call lights were activated
- Each patient's clinical acuity and time-sensitive needs (Correct answer)
- The UAP's personal preference and familiarity with each patient
- Which room is closest to the nursing station
Correct answer: Each patient's clinical acuity and time-sensitive needs
Clinical acuity and urgency of patient needs determine proper task prioritization.
Question 2: Which statement reflects the correct relationship between the LPN and the UAP regarding delegation?
- The UAP can refuse any task delegated by the LPN without consequence
- The LPN directs the UAP's work but cannot discipline them
- The LPN is responsible for tasks delegated and must supervise appropriately (Correct answer)
- The UAP is independently responsible for all tasks once assigned
Correct answer: The LPN is responsible for tasks delegated and must supervise appropriately
The LPN holds supervisory responsibility for delegated tasks and must monitor their performance.
Question 3: When a UAP states they are uncomfortable performing a delegated task, the LPN should:
- Insist the UAP complete the task since it is within their scope
- Explore the reason for discomfort and provide support or reassign as appropriate (Correct answer)
- Report the UAP to the charge nurse for insubordination
- Document the refusal and assign the task to another UAP
Correct answer: Explore the reason for discomfort and provide support or reassign as appropriate
Understanding why a UAP is uncomfortable may reveal a safety concern that requires reassignment or education.
Question 4: What distinguishes a task that is 'routine' and delegable from one that requires nursing judgment?
- Routine tasks are those the UAP has done many times before
- Routine tasks have predictable outcomes and do not require assessment or evaluation (Correct answer)
- Any task done at the bedside is considered routine
- Routine tasks are defined solely by facility policy, not nursing standards
Correct answer: Routine tasks have predictable outcomes and do not require assessment or evaluation
Delegable routine tasks have predictable, stable outcomes that do not require the nurse's clinical judgment.
Question 5: A UAP reports that a patient who was alert is now confused and difficult to arouse. The LPN should:
- Ask the UAP to stay with the patient and check back in 15 minutes
- Immediately assess the patient and notify the supervising RN (Correct answer)
- Assume the patient may be sleeping and continue other assignments
- Instruct the UAP to document the finding in the chart
Correct answer: Immediately assess the patient and notify the supervising RN
A sudden change in neurological status is a medical emergency requiring immediate LPN assessment and RN notification.
Question 6: Which action by a UAP requires the LPN to re-evaluate the appropriateness of the delegation?
- The UAP asks the LPN a clarifying question before starting the task
- The UAP reports completing the task without the LPN's follow-up check
- The UAP consistently makes errors when performing the delegated task (Correct answer)
- The UAP takes slightly longer than expected to complete the task
Correct answer: The UAP consistently makes errors when performing the delegated task
Consistent errors indicate the UAP lacks competency for the task and delegation must be re-evaluated.
Question 7: The LPN wants to delegate repositioning a patient with severe osteoporosis to a UAP. What is essential before doing so?
- Confirming the patient has no fall risk according to the chart
- Providing specific repositioning instructions and precautions for that patient (Correct answer)
- Obtaining a physician's order to allow UAP repositioning
- Ensuring the patient's family is present during the repositioning
Correct answer: Providing specific repositioning instructions and precautions for that patient
Patients with severe osteoporosis require individualized repositioning instructions to prevent fractures.
LPN Delegation and Supervision for UAP 5
A UAP caring for multiple patients asks the LPN which task to do first.
The LPN should base prioritization on: