Which situation exemplifies a barrier to quality care?

Restrictions placed on APRNs’ prescriptive authority exemplify a barrier to quality care because they limit the ability of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to use their full training and expertise in managing patient care. When APRNs are not permitted to prescribe medications or have limitations on the types of medications they can prescribe, this can directly affect patient outcomes.

For instance, if an APRN is unable to prescribe essential medications due to these restrictions, they may have to refer patients to physicians for prescriptions, which can delay treatment and interrupt care continuity. This can be particularly problematic in areas where healthcare providers are scarce, leading to increased wait times and access issues for patients who need timely intervention.

In contrast, scenarios such as APRNs being allowed to prescribe without limits, increased training opportunities for APRNs, and a collaborative practice environment are all conducive to enhancing the quality of care. They facilitate a system where healthcare providers can operate at their full potential and work together effectively to meet the needs of patients.