Which statement best describes the scope of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)?

• A. A registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree who can serve as a primary care provider.
• B. A registered nurse with a master's degree who can serve as a primary care provider and includes roles.
• C. A physician assistant who operates independently.
• D. A social worker focusing on discharge planning.

Answer: (B)

APRNs are registered nurses who have completed graduate-level education and practice with an expanded scope, including diagnosing and managing patients and often serving as primary care providers. The statement describing an RN with a master’s degree who can serve as a primary care provider and includes roles captures this combination of advanced education and broadened responsibilities, reflecting the range of APRN roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist. This differentiates APRNs from a general bachelor’s‑prepared RN (insufficient education for primary care scope), from physician assistants (a separate profession), and from a social worker focused on discharge planning.