Which of the following best describes a registered nurse (RN)?

Which of the following best describes a registered nurse (RN)?

• A. A healthcare professional with a specialty in surgery.
• B. A licensed practitioner providing patient care.
• C. A physician who has completed medical school.
• D. A professional working in pharmaceutical sales.

Answer: (B)

The role of a registered nurse (RN) is primarily to provide patient care and support within the healthcare system. RNs are licensed professionals who have completed an accredited nursing program and passed a national licensing examination. Their responsibilities include assessing patient health status, administering medications, coordinating patient care, and educating patients about various health conditions. This definition encompasses the core functions and legal status of RNs, emphasizing their role in direct patient care within a variety of settings. While some RNs may specialize in certain areas, such as surgery, they are not solely defined by a specialty, which is why other options don't accurately reflect the role of an RN. The remaining choices describe professionals in roles unrelated to nursing: practitioners in surgical specialties, physicians who have gone through medical training, and pharmaceutical sales representatives do not provide the holistic patient care that characterizes the work of registered nurses. Thus, identifying option B as the best description aligns perfectly with the established definition and scope of practice for registered nurses.

The role of a registered nurse (RN) is primarily to provide patient care and support within the healthcare system. RNs are licensed professionals who have completed an accredited nursing program and passed a national licensing examination. Their responsibilities include assessing patient health status, administering medications, coordinating patient care, and educating patients about various health conditions.

This definition encompasses the core functions and legal status of RNs, emphasizing their role in direct patient care within a variety of settings. While some RNs may specialize in certain areas, such as surgery, they are not solely defined by a specialty, which is why other options don't accurately reflect the role of an RN.

The remaining choices describe professionals in roles unrelated to nursing: practitioners in surgical specialties, physicians who have gone through medical training, and pharmaceutical sales representatives do not provide the holistic patient care that characterizes the work of registered nurses. Thus, identifying option B as the best description aligns perfectly with the established definition and scope of practice for registered nurses.