What outcome might occur when APRNs have limited prescriptive authority?

When Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have limited prescriptive authority, one potential outcome is a decrease in the quality of patient-provider interactions. This occurs because the ability to prescribe medications is a significant aspect of patient care that allows APRNs to manage patients' health more effectively and responsively. When faced with limitations in prescribing, APRNs may have to refer patients back to physicians for medication management, which can disrupt the continuity of care.

This interruption can lead to longer wait times for patients to receive necessary medications, resulting in frustration and decreased satisfaction. Additionally, having to coordinate care with other providers instead of managing it directly can reduce the efficiency of healthcare delivery and limit the in-depth understanding APRNs have of their patients' needs, ultimately impacting the quality of interactions and relationships they can build with their patients.

Other options suggest positive outcomes such as enhanced access to care, improved collaboration, or increased patient safety, but those would not align with the consequences of restricted prescriptive authority which often complicates the patient care process rather than facilitating it.