What distinguishes a physician assistant from a registered nurse?

A physician assistant (PA) is distinguished from a registered nurse (RN) primarily by their scope of practice and the level of medical responsibilities they are allowed to undertake. PAs are trained to perform a range of clinical tasks that include diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medications, all under the supervision of a physician. This collaborative practice allows PAs to engage more directly in the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of healthcare.

In contrast, registered nurses focus more on providing and coordinating patient care, education, and advocacy within the parameters set by their training and licensing. While nurses play a critical role in patient assessment and care, they generally do not have the same level of authority to diagnose or prescribe treatment independently, which sets the PA’s role apart.

The other options do not accurately represent the roles and responsibilities of PAs or nurses. For instance, PAs do not primarily focus on psychological care, as that is just one aspect of broader medical duties they perform. Additionally, nurses provide care in various settings, not limited to emergencies, and PAs actively collaborate with physicians rather than working independently from them. Thus, B accurately highlights the unique position of physician assistants within the healthcare team, showcasing their ability to diagnose and treat under physician supervision.