Which action can a nurse delegate to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) when assisting a client?

The action of assisting with changing the client's gown is appropriate for delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) because it falls within the scope of tasks that UAPs are trained to perform. Changing a gown is a basic care activity that does not require specialized nursing knowledge or assessment skills. The UAP can effectively assist clients with such activities to promote comfort and hygiene, making this an ideal task for delegation.

In contrast, reviewing the nursing discharge note involves critical thinking and clinical judgment that is specific to nursing practice, making it unsuitable for delegation to a UAP. Administering medication requires nursing licensure and an understanding of pharmacology, side effects, and patient monitoring, which UAPs are not qualified to handle. Performing a physical assessment requires a comprehensive understanding of the patient's health status and is a skill that licensed nurses possess, further distinguishing it from tasks that can be delegated to UAPs.