Which task is appropriate for a UAP to perform in infection prevention?

• A. Teach signs of infection that require reporting
• B. Observe the catheter insertion site for inflammation
• C. Obtain and record vital signs every 4 hours
• D. Clean the catheter insertion site every 72 hours

Answer: (B)

Monitoring for signs of infection is a core part of infection prevention for a UAP. Observing the catheter insertion site for inflammation—looking for redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage—allows early detection of potential infection and prompts timely reporting to the supervising nurse. This observational role fits a UAP’s scope, emphasizing careful observation and escalation rather than performing procedures or making clinical judgments.

Teaching signs of infection to report is typically a nursing responsibility involving patient education and assessment, not just observation. Obtaining and recording vital signs every few hours can be within some facilities for UAPs, but it depends on policy and training and isn’t universally appropriate. Cleaning the catheter insertion site every 72 hours involves sterile technique and infection-prevention procedures that require a licensed clinician or trained staff, not a UAP.

So the task that aligns with infection prevention duties for a UAP is to observe the catheter insertion site for inflammation and report any findings promptly.