Pain Management Nursing Practice Exam

Which task is most appropriate to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in the care of clients with pain?

1. Assisting with preparation of a sitz bath

2. Monitoring the client for signs of discomfort while ambulating

3. Coaching the client to deep breathe during painful procedures

4. Evaluating relief after applying a cold compress

The correct answer is: Assisting with preparation of a sitz bath

The most appropriate task to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in the care of clients with pain is assisting with the preparation of a sitz bath. This task involves physical assistance without requiring specialized knowledge or clinical judgment. UAP can be trained to set up the bath, ensuring the correct temperature and materials are in place, which allows for the client to manage discomfort and promote hygiene effectively. Delegating responsibilities like this to UAP helps to free licensed nursing staff for more complex assessments and interventions that require their specific training and expertise. This is particularly important in a pain management context, where understanding physiological responses and effectively evaluating those is crucial to providing holistic care. The other tasks involve a level of clinical judgment or assessment that is beyond the scope of practice for UAP. Monitoring for signs of discomfort while ambulating requires a trained professional to evaluate non-verbal cues and make decisions about the appropriateness of the activity based on the client's overall condition. Coaching a client to deep breathe during painful procedures necessitates the ability to respond to the client's immediate needs and adjust techniques accordingly. Evaluating relief after applying a cold compress involves assessing the client's pain level and understanding pain management strategies, which is a nursing responsibility. These tasks rely heavily on nursing judgment and