Physician Assistants may practice preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic medicine under supervision of a physician. Which option best reflects this description?

• A. An intern who replaces a physician in patient care.
• B. A medical professional who may practice preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic medicine under supervision of a physician.
• C. A nurse who administers therapies under physician supervision.
• D. A surgeon who operates without oversight.

Answer: (B)

Physician assistants provide medical care under physician supervision, performing preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic tasks. This matches the description because PAs are trained to assess patients, order and interpret tests, diagnose conditions, develop and implement treatment plans, and deliver therapies, often including prescribing medications, all under the oversight of a physician. They are professionals dedicated to practicing medicine within a supervised framework.

The other options misalign with this role: an intern is a physician-in-training who does not replace a physician in patient care; a nurse operates within nursing scope under physician orders and does not encompass the full medical practice described; a surgeon who operates without oversight contradicts standard medical supervision and licensure requirements.