What is an important role of a registered nurse in the patient evaluation process?

The role of a registered nurse in the patient evaluation process is crucial, and one of the key responsibilities includes performing assessments such as the Patient Review Instrument (PRI). The PRI is utilized to evaluate the level of care a patient requires, particularly in long-term care settings. It provides a structured way to assess a patient's medical, psychological, and social needs, which is essential for developing a comprehensive care plan. By performing the PRI, registered nurses gather important data that helps inform decisions about the patient’s treatment options and level of care necessary.

While ensuring patient comfort, managing medication schedules, and conducting therapy sessions are important aspects of a nurse's role, they do not directly pertain to the initial evaluation process as thoroughly as conducting the PRI does. The PRI specifically focuses on evaluating the patient's needs, making it an integral part of the overall assessment and care planning approach in healthcare settings.