Which of the following is a potential barrier for APRNs in providing care?

Limited prescriptive authority is a significant potential barrier for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in providing comprehensive care. This limitation can severely restrict the ability of APRNs to deliver the full spectrum of care that includes diagnostics, treatment, and ongoing management of patient health issues.

When APRNs do not have the authority to prescribe medications, they may have to refer patients to physicians for prescriptions, which can lead to delays in treatment and can negatively impact patient outcomes. This barrier can also affect the efficiency of healthcare delivery, as patients may need to see multiple providers for what could potentially be managed within a single visit with an APRN.

Moreover, limited prescriptive authority often correlates with regulatory constraints that vary by state, leading to discrepancies in the level of care that APRNs can provide depending on their location. This inconsistency can further complicate care provision and limit access to necessary medications, particularly in underserved areas where healthcare resources are scarce.