The nurse is teaching a new nurse about protocols. Which information from the new nurse indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?

A) Protocols are guidelines to follow that replace the nursing care plan.
B) Protocols assist the clinician in making decisions and choosing interventions for specific health care problems or conditions.
C) Protocols are policies designating each nurse's duty according to standards of care and a code of ethics.
D) Protocols are prescriptive order forms that help individualize the plan of care.

A clinical practice guideline or protocol is a systematically developed set of statements that helps nurses, physicians, and other health care providers make decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical situations. This guideline establishes interventions for specific health care problems or conditions. The protocol does not replace the nursing care plan. Evidence-based guidelines from protocols can be incorporated into an individualized plan of care. A clinical guideline is not the same as a hospital policy. Standing orders contain orders for the care of a specific group of patients. A protocol is not a prescriptive order form like a standing order.