For a patient with osteoporosis and risk for falls, which task is appropriate to delegate to a UAP?

• A. Assisting the patient with ambulation to the bathroom and in the halls
• B. Monitoring gait, balance, and fatigue level with ambulation
• C. Identifying environmental factors that increase risk for falls
• D. Collaborating with the physical therapist to provide the patient with a walker

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that tasks given to a UAP should involve routine, safety-focused care that doesn’t require nursing assessment or clinical decision-making. Assisting a patient with ambulation to the bathroom and in the halls fits this, especially with osteoporosis and fall risk. The UAP can provide hands-on help, use safety measures like a gait belt, assistive devices, and keep the patient supported and within reach, reducing the chance of a fall. The nurse retains responsibility for overall safety, monitoring for changes, and intervening as needed.

The other tasks require nursing assessment or professional collaboration: monitoring gait, balance, and fatigue during ambulation involves evaluating the patient’s performance and status; identifying environmental factors that increase fall risk requires assessing the surroundings and making care decisions; and collaborating with the physical therapist to provide a walker involves care planning and interprofessional coordination. These go beyond what a UAP is typically authorized to do.