In addition to their registered nurse preparation, what can nurse practitioners (NPs) do?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) serve as advanced practice nurses who possess the ability to provide higher levels of care through a more extensive scope of practice compared to registered nurses. One significant aspect of an NP's role is their authority to prescribe medications, which includes nonscheduled prescription drugs and, depending on the state regulations, may also extend to scheduled medications.

The authority to prescribe nonscheduled prescription drugs is a key component of their practice and allows NPs to manage patient care comprehensively, including initiating treatment plans and managing ongoing therapy. This capability is vital for addressing a wide range of patient needs in various healthcare settings, from primary care to specialty practices.

The incorrect options highlight various limitations that do not reflect the full scope of NP practice. For instance, performing only administrative tasks underestimates the clinical responsibilities and patient care roles that NPs engage in. Working exclusively in primary care does not acknowledge that NPs can function in multiple specialties, including urgent care, pediatrics, and mental health. Lastly, while NPs may perform some surgical procedures depending on their training and state laws, they generally do not conduct major surgical procedures independently, which requires a different level of training and designation.

Thus, the ability of nurse practitioners to prescribe nonscheduled prescription drugs showcases