A graduate nurse is reviewing information about the NCLEX exam on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website. Which of the following information should the nurse identify about the NCLEX exam?

Choice A reason: Providing competencies for the nurses to achieve before licensure is not a description of standards of practice, but rather a function of the nursing education and accreditation system. Standards of practice are authoritative statements that define the expected level of performance for nurses after they obtain their license.

Choice B reason: Establishing a protocol for care to provide for a specific health problem is not a description of standards of practice, but rather a function of the clinical practice guidelines and evidence based practice. Standards of practice are broader and more general statements that apply to all nurses regardless of their specialty or setting.

Choice C reason: Specifying that nurses provide care that reflects current and competent level of behavior when providing client care is a description of standards of practice, as it captures the essence of what standards of practice are and why they are important. Standards of practice are based on the best available evidence and professional consensus, and they guide nurses in delivering safe, quality, and ethical care to their clients.

Choice D reason: Listing a set of skills that all nurses should be competent in performing, outlining responsibilities that every nurse is expected to provide regardless of their role is not a description of standards of practice, but rather a function of the scope of practice. Scope of practice describes the services that a qualified health professional is deemed competent to perform, and permitted to undertake, in keeping with the terms of their professional license..

The correct answer is b. Misunderstanding of roles.

Choice A: Scope of practice

Reason: While the scope of practice defines the roles and responsibilities of different healthcare professionals, it is not inherently a barrier to interprofessional communication. Instead, it provides clarity on what each professional can and cannot do, which can actually facilitate better teamwork and communication.

Choice B: Misunderstanding of roles

Reason: Misunderstanding of roles is a significant barrier to interprofessional communication. When team members are unclear about each other’s roles and responsibilities, it can lead to confusion, overlap, and gaps in care. This misunderstanding can hinder effective collaboration and communication, as team members may not know who to turn to for specific issues or may duplicate efforts.

Choice C: Privacy laws

Reason: Privacy laws, such as HIPAA in the United States, are designed to protect patient information. While they impose certain restrictions on information sharing, they are not a primary barrier to interprofessional communication. Healthcare teams can still communicate effectively within the boundaries of these laws by ensuring that patient information is shared appropriately and securely.

Choice D: Burnout

Reason: Burnout is a significant issue in healthcare, affecting the well-being and performance of healthcare professionals. However, it is more of a personal and systemic issue rather than a direct barrier to interprofessional communication. Burnout can indirectly affect communication by reducing the overall effectiveness and engagement of team members.