Which task is commonly delegated to a UAP?

• A. Administer IV antibiotics
• B. Evaluate a patient’s condition
• C. Document changes in the patient’s chart
• D. Transport the body to the morgue

Answer: (D)

Understanding what tasks can be delegated to a UAP hinges on whether the task requires clinical assessment, interpretation, or invasive procedures. Transporting the body to the morgue is a straightforward, nonclinical task that involves physical movement and coordination, not medical decision-making, and is routinely delegated to UAPs. Administering IV antibiotics involves giving medication via IV, which requires a licensed clinician and appropriate orders; that's outside the UAP scope. Evaluating a patient’s condition requires nursing assessment and clinical judgment, which only a licensed nurse would perform. Documenting changes in the chart may seem routine, but it often requires accurate interpretation of a patient’s status and collaboration with the nurse; while UAPs may record objective data, significant status changes should be documented by a nurse. Therefore, the task most appropriate for delegation is transporting the body to the morgue.