A medical assistant in a family medicine clinic is helping a clinician decide which team member should perform a planned procedure for an adult patient: starting a peripheral intravenous line and administering an intravenous antibiotic infusion in the clinic. Which team member is BEST suited for this task within their licensed scope?
- AThe medical assistant, because intravenous access and infusion are part of standard rooming duties in the ambulatory setting.
- BThe registered nurse (RN), because IV insertion and IV medication administration fall within the RN's licensed scope of practice. Correct
- CThe registered dietitian, because they routinely manage nutritional support delivered through intravenous lines for outpatients.
- DThe medical social worker, because they coordinate care plans and follow up with patients receiving intravenous therapy at home.
Why A is wrong: Starting peripheral IV access and administering IV medications are generally outside the medical assistant scope of practice in most states, so assigning this to a medical assistant exceeds their licensed role.
Why B is correct: An RN is trained and licensed to perform peripheral IV cannulation, administer IV medications, and monitor for infusion reactions, which makes them the correct team member for this task in the ambulatory setting.
Why C is wrong: Registered dietitians assess nutrition status and plan dietary interventions; they do not start peripheral IV lines or administer IV antibiotics, which require nursing or advanced-practice training.
Why D is wrong: Medical social workers address psychosocial, discharge planning, and resource needs. They are not licensed to perform clinical procedures such as IV insertion or medication administration.