COPE Health Scholars Practice Test

Which member of the patient care team is primarily responsible for administering medications and drawing blood?

1. Patient

2. Nurse

3. Physician

4. Allied Health

The correct answer is: Nurse

The nurse is primarily responsible for administering medications and drawing blood as part of their essential duties within the patient care team. Nurses are trained healthcare professionals who play a critical role in patient care, including managing medication administration according to strict protocols and ensuring that patients receive the correct dosages at the right times. They also perform venipunctures to draw blood for testing, which is vital for diagnosing and monitoring health conditions. Nurses often act as a bridge between patients and physicians, providing ongoing assessments of patient health, educating patients about their medications, and monitoring for any adverse reactions. This foundational role is crucial in the healthcare system, as it directly impacts patient safety and treatment outcomes. Their training and expertise equip them uniquely for these responsibilities, distinguishing their role from that of other team members like the physician, who focuses more on diagnosis and treatment planning, or allied health professionals, who may provide support but not typically handle medication administration or blood draws.