Nurse practitioners can prescribe medicine, so they are able to plan patients' treatment themselves.
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who serve as primary care providers. Some specialize in certain fields, while others provide generalized health care services. The expanded scope of their nursing duties requires an advanced education, such as a master's or doctoral degree. As a result, nurse practitioners are able to work in tandem with doctors or an independent health care professional.
Examination and Diagnosis
Like doctors, nurse practitioners examine patients and take medical histories in an effort to diagnose medical conditions, including injuries and acute diseases. They order and perform diagnostic tests, such as x-rays or magnetic imaging resonance exams, and analyze the results afterward. Nurse practitioners may also diagnose chronic diseases like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Treatment
Nurse practitioners prescribe treatment for patients' medical aliments. Like all advanced practice nurses, nurse practitioners are legally permitted to prescribe medication, so they are able to plan a patient's course of treatment without doctor assistance. They may also prescribe physical therapy or other rehabilitative treatments for patients with mobility issues. Nurse practitioners also monitor patients with chronic diseases like diabetes to ensure that treatment plans are working effectively.
Consultation
In many cases, nurse practitioners consult with doctors or other health care professionals regarding patients' treatment. When serious health issues arise, they refer patients to specialists. Some nurse practitioners work as part of a doctor's practice, so they collaborate with doctors on a regular basis to best serve patients.
Prenatal and Family Planning
Some nurse practitioners provide specialized women's health services, which include prenatal and family planning services. They monitor pregnant patients' blood pressure and perform urinalysis to ensure that pregnancies are progressing normally. Nurse practitioners may also order ultrasounds and other tests to monitor expectant mothers' health, and prescribe prenatal vitamins and dietary plans as well. Nurse practitioners may also advise female patients on birth control options, prescribe oral contraceptives, and insert intra-uterine devices or fit diaphragms.
Preventive Health Care
In addition to treating illnesses and injuries, nurse practitioners also provide preventive health care services. They perform annual wellness physicals for both adults and children, and run screening tests for a variety of conditions. Nurse practitioners also provide immunizations to children.
Education
Another important duty for nurse practitioners is educating patients about healthy lifestyle choices and treatment options for medical conditions. They may help patients plan healthy eating, exercise or smoking cessation plans. They also explain medical conditions to patients and go over the details of their medications so patients are able to care for themselves.
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