1. What are the core competencies of advanced nursing practice in primary care? How do they differ from those of generalist nurses? - The core competencies of advanced nursing practice in primary care are: direct clinical practice, consultation, leadership, collaboration, ethical decision-making, research, and education. They differ from those of generalist nurses in that they require a higher level of knowledge, skills, and autonomy to provide comprehensive and holistic care to patients across the lifespan and across settings. - Rationale: This question assesses the students' understanding of the role and scope of advanced nursing practice in primary care, as well as the differences between advanced and generalist nursing practice. 2. What are some of the common health problems that patients present with in primary care settings? How would you assess, diagnose, and manage them using evidence-based guidelines and protocols? - Some of the common health problems that patients present with in primary care settings are: hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, anxiety, urinary tract infections, and musculoskeletal disorders. To assess, diagnose, and manage them using evidence-based guidelines and protocols, you would need to: take a comprehensive history and perform a physical examination; order and interpret appropriate laboratory and diagnostic tests; prescribe and monitor pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions; provide patient education and counseling; coordinate care with other health professionals; and evaluate outcomes and modify the plan of care as needed. - Rationale: This question evaluates the students' clinical reasoning and decision-making skills in managing common health problems in primary care settings, as well as their ability to apply evidence-based guidelines and protocols. 3. What are some of the challenges and barriers that advanced nursing practitioners face in providing primary care to patients? How would you overcome them? - Some of the challenges and barriers that advanced nursing practitioners face in providing primary care to patients are: lack of recognition and support from other health professionals; limited access to resources and referral networks; legal and regulatory restrictions on their scope of practice; reimbursement issues; time constraints; and patient preferences and expectations. To overcome them, you would need to: advocate for your role and scope of practice; establish collaborative relationships with other health professionals; seek continuing education and professional development opportunities; participate in quality improvement and research activities; communicate effectively with patients and families; and provide culturally competent and patient-centered care. - Rationale: This question examines the students' awareness of the issues and difficulties that advanced nursing practitioners encounter in providing primary care to patients, as well as their strategies to cope with them.