Which task is most appropriately assigned to UAP when working with an RN and PN in caring for an acutely ill client?

The most appropriate task to assign to a UAP (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel) when working with an RN (Registered Nurse) and a PN (Practical Nurse) in caring for an acutely ill client is obtaining the client's oxygen saturation level. This task is straightforward and does not require advanced clinical judgment or specialized nursing knowledge, making it suitable for UAP training.

UAP are typically trained to perform basic data collection and bedside activities, which can include taking vital signs and monitoring basic metrics such as oxygen saturation. This allows the RN and PN to focus on more complex aspects of the patient's care, such as making clinical assessments and implementing care plans based on the data collected.

In contrast, tasks such as inserting a chest tube or administering medication require specific nursing qualifications, knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and a comprehensive understanding of patient safety, which UAP are not prepared to handle. Documenting the client’s vital signs, while also a task that might seem simple, generally falls under the responsibilities of licensed personnel who can assess and interpret those vital signs properly in the context of the patient's overall condition. Therefore, obtaining oxygen saturation is an appropriate task for UAP to carry out in this setting.