The RPN working for a community agency has been asked to teach UCP how to suction the tracheostomy of a client. The nurse determines that the client is stable and has had a tracheostomy for many years. What is the nurse's next step?

• A. Assist UCP ability to learn this procedure
• B. Perform suctioning to demonstrate once
• C. Decline to teach due to risk
• D. Wait for formal competency before any training

Answer: (A)

This item tests safe delegation and supervision in nursing practice. Because the client is stable and has had a tracheostomy for years, the nurse should help the UCP learn how to suction the tracheostomy under proper supervision. The next step is to provide structured teaching and oversight: assess the UCP’s current knowledge, cover safety and infection-control basics, demonstrate the technique, and then have the UCP perform a return demonstration while the nurse observes and corrects as needed. Ensure the client remains monitored during training and that the UCP can recognize signs of distress and know when to stop and seek help. After the learner consistently shows safe practice, document formal competency. This approach expands the UCP’s responsibilities while prioritizing patient safety, rather than performing the procedure oneself for demonstration, withholding training due to risk, or waiting for formal competency before any training.