Which tasks can the school nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

The delegation of tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is a crucial aspect of nursing practice that allows nurses to focus on more complex care needs while ensuring that essential services are still provided. Among the options presented, the delegation of selected nursing tasks is appropriate for UAP, as these tasks are typically straightforward and do not require clinical judgment or specialized knowledge.

Selected nursing tasks can include various activities such as basic hygiene care, assisting with feeding, making beds, and measuring vital signs — tasks that are essential for patient care but do not require the full scope of nursing responsibility. The nurse remains accountable for the overall quality of care and must ensure that any tasks delegated are within the UAP's training and competence levels.

In contrast, assessment tasks require professional judgment and the ability to interpret complex data, which are not within the purview of unlicensed staff. Administrative tasks often involve decision-making and oversight that necessitate nursing expertise, and emergency interventions demand immediate and critical thinking abilities to respond adequately and safely in urgent situations. Thus, the correct choice reflects the scope of practice that allows for effective collaboration while maintaining safety and quality of care.