A fracture clinic calls to request that the UAP’s other assigned client be sent to the clinic. Which action should the PN take first?

• A. Notify the delegating nurse of the current request from the fracture clinic
• B. Immediately send the other client to the clinic
• C. Inform the patient of the change in assignment
• D. Handle it with the UAP without reporting the call

Answer: (A)

The first step is to inform the delegating nurse about the fracture clinic’s request. This preserves the chain of command and ensures that any change in a patient’s assignment is reviewed by the licensed nurse who oversees the care plan. The delegating nurse can assess priorities, safety, and scope before deciding whether the UAP’s client should be transferred, reordered, or kept as is. Acting through the delegating nurse prevents unsafe practice, miscommunication, and policy violations.

Immediately sending the client, informing the patient of a change without authorization, or handling the situation solely with the UAP would bypass proper supervision and could compromise patient safety and care planning.