Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which of the following is true about the principles defining the nursing process within the continuum of care?

1. Focus only on assessment

2. Coordination of care is central

3. Emphasis on patient autonomy

4. Involvement of administrative staff

The correct answer is: Coordination of care is central

The principle highlighting that coordination of care is central reflects the collaborative nature of nursing within the healthcare continuum. Effective nursing practice involves orchestrating multiple aspects of patient care, which includes interactions with various healthcare providers, ensuring all relevant information is communicated and integrated into the patient’s care plan. Coordination is critical as it helps to avoid fragmentation of care, ensures that patient needs are met collectively, and contributes to improved outcomes through a comprehensive approach. Nurses serve as vital liaisons among patients, families, and other healthcare professionals, facilitating a unified approach to treatment plans and interventions. The other options, while they may have relevance within specific contexts, do not encapsulate the essence of the nursing process in terms of continuous and collaborative care. Focusing solely on assessment neglects the other vital steps of the nursing process, while emphasizing patient autonomy and staff involvement in administration, although important, do not center on the coordination aspect that is key to delivering seamless and effective patient care.