Question

A medical assistant is speaking with a patient who has seasonal allergies. Which of the following health care providers should the assistant identify as being able to make a diagnosis and initiate the necessary treatment?

1) Physician
2) Nurse
3) Pharmacist
4) Physical therapist

Answer 1

A medical assistant should refer a patient with seasonal allergies to a physician, who can diagnose and treat the allergies with medications like antihistamines and corticosteroids.

Step-by-step explanation:

A medical assistant speaking with a patient who has seasonal allergies should know that the health care provider who can make a diagnosis and initiate necessary treatment is a physician. Physicians have the education and licensing required to diagnose medical conditions and prescribe treatment. While nurses may assist in managing care and pharmacists can dispense medications prescribed by a physician, and physical therapists can help with rehabilitation after injuries, it is the physician who will diagnose and decide on the treatment plan for allergies.

Clinical Focus scenarios like the one involving John, who is experiencing several symptoms including fever, highlight the importance of seeing a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Allergists, a type of physician, often perform allergy testing and manage treatment including prescribing medicines like antihistamines and corticosteroids to help control the immune response.