How should a Physician Assistant handle a medical emergency?

In a medical emergency, it is essential for a Physician Assistant (PA) to act quickly and effectively to ensure patient safety and appropriate care. Following established protocols and contacting the supervising physician immediately is the most professional and legally sound approach.

This option is correct because PAs are trained to follow clinical guidelines and protocols that dictate the best practices in real-time medical situations. These established protocols often involve assessing the situation, providing initial care, and informing the supervising physician so that they can provide guidance or arrive to assist with more complex decision-making. This layered approach not only promotes collaboration and comprehensive care but also ensures the PA is operating under the legal parameters set forth by their supervisory relationship.

In contrast, simply calling emergency services and waiting does not actively address the immediate needs of the patient and could result in unnecessary delays. Attempting to manage the emergency independently may lead to inadequate care, as PAs are not typically included in emergency medical services' operational structure as independent first responders. Lastly, leaving it to the staff nurses to resolve undermines the PA's role as a healthcare provider and could lead to miscommunication and a breakdown in the coordinated response necessary during emergencies.

Each of these options overlooks the collaborative framework and established protocols critical to emergency care, highlighting the importance of