COPE Health Scholars Practice Test

What is an essential characteristic of an NP's practice?

1. Dependency on a physician for all decisions

2. A focus on a holistic approach to patient care

3. A limited ability to manage chronic diseases

4. Exclusively working in hospital environments

The correct answer is: A focus on a holistic approach to patient care

An essential characteristic of a Nurse Practitioner (NP) is the focus on a holistic approach to patient care. This means that NPs consider the whole person when assessing and treating patients, taking into account not only the physical symptoms but also emotional, social, and environmental factors that can impact health outcomes. This holistic perspective allows NPs to tailor their care to the individual needs of their patients, fostering better health and wellness outcomes. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the core principles of NP practice. Dependency on a physician for all decisions contradicts the independent role that many NPs play in healthcare, where they can provide care and make clinical decisions autonomously. The notion of having a limited ability to manage chronic diseases underestimates the advanced training and skills that NPs possess, enabling them to manage complex health conditions effectively. Finally, the idea that NPs work exclusively in hospital environments ignores the broad range of settings where NPs can practice, including outpatient clinics, community health centers, and even telehealth services.