Final answer:
Medical assistants generally are not permitted to initiate intravenous therapy; this task is typically performed by medical professionals with more advanced training and licensure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scope of practice for medical assistants varies by jurisdiction and healthcare setting. However, it is not typically within the scope of practice for a medical assistant to start intravenous therapy. Generally, initiating IV therapy is a procedure that requires the expertise and licensure of a registered nurse (RN) or another healthcare professional with the necessary credentials.
When a physician orders an intravenous (IV) delivery of a solution, say 100 mL of 0.5% KCl for a patient with hypokalemia, it would be uncommon for an aide with the title of medical assistant to prepare the solution from stock solution. This task would likely involve healthcare professionals who are trained in calculating and preparing medication dosages for IV administration. The preparation of an IV solution typically involves using a syringe to draw up a concentrated stock solution and inject it into an IV bag of sterile solution, diluting it to the correct concentration.
For patient safety and legal accountability, healthcare facilities follow protocols that include oral confirmation of procedures by the medical team, using checklists for procedures such as central intravenous line insertion, and maintaining higher precautions for healthcare workers at risk of infectious diseases.