What it means
The exam's name for whoever writes the orders: a physician, an advanced practice registered nurse such as a nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant. Questions say "the health care provider" or "the primary health care provider" instead of "the doctor" because many kinds of professionals prescribe. When an option says "notify the health care provider", it means call the person who can change the treatment.
For the nurse
Before you call, gather the facts you will report (vital signs, what changed, the latest labs) and use a clear structure such as SBAR. On the exam, notifying the provider is right when the client needs a new order, but not when a nursing action you can take yourself comes first.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | HCP; PHCP (primary health care provider) |
|---|---|
| Also written | primary health care provider, healthcare provider, PHCP, health care providers, health-care provider, healthcare providers, health-care providers, HCP |
Related terms
intervention
An action taken to help a client, such as a treatment, a test, a teaching session or a nursing action.
registered nurse
A nurse who has passed the NCLEX-RN and holds a state license to practice as an RN.
plan of care
A written plan that lists a client's problems, goals and the nursing actions to reach them.