Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Which member of the care team diagnoses disease and prescribes treatment?

1. Nurse practitioner

2. Physician (MD)

3. Pharmacist

4. Physical therapist

The correct answer is: Physician (MD)

The physician (MD) is the member of the healthcare team responsible for diagnosing diseases and prescribing treatments. Physicians undergo extensive medical education and training, which equips them with the ability to assess patient conditions, interpret diagnostic tests, and formulate treatment plans. This role is central to patient care, as physicians are licensed to carry out medical evaluations and determine the best course of action for treatment based on their findings. While nurse practitioners also diagnose and treat conditions, they often do so under collaborative agreements with physicians. Pharmacists primarily focus on dispensing medications and providing information about their use rather than making diagnoses. Physical therapists concentrate on rehabilitation and improving movement function based on existing medical diagnoses but do not diagnose medical conditions themselves. Thus, the physician holds the key responsibility for both diagnosis and treatment prescription within the healthcare team.