Stanfield's Introduction To The Health Professions Practice Test

Registered nurses focus on putting care plans into action and supporting patients holistically. A key responsibility is delivering therapy and treatment as prescribed by a physician, which includes administering medications, performing routine care, monitoring responses, and coordinating with the healthcare team to adjust care as needed. They also educate patients and families about conditions, treatments, and self-care strategies so people understand what to expect and how to participate in their own care. Providing emotional and psychosocial support helps patients cope with illness, hospitalization, and recovery. In contrast, writing prescriptions is outside the RN scope (prescribing is done by physicians or advanced practice clinicians), performing surgeries is not within the RN role, and while RNs may participate in research, that is not a primary responsibility.