A newly licensed nurse is unsure if an assigned task is within their scope of practice. Which of the following resources should the nurse consult?

Rationale: A. Institutional policies and procedures: While helpful in guiding facility-specific protocols, policies do not override state regulations. An institution may allow tasks that exceed or fall short of legal scope, so this should not be the primary reference. B. Written prescription from the provider: A provider’s order does not define or expand a nurse’s legal scope of practice. Even with a valid order, the nurse must independently verify whether they are legally permitted to carry out the task. C. State Nurse Practice Act: The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) is the legal authority that defines what licensed nurses are permitted to do in their state. It is the most authoritative resource to determine whether a task is within the nurse’s legal scope of practice. D. Verbal direction from the nurse manager: Even when given by a superior, verbal instructions must still comply with state law. A nurse manager’s guidance cannot authorize a task that lies outside the nurse’s legal scope.