When asked to perform tasks outside the PA student's scope of practice, what should they do?

When faced with tasks that fall outside of a PA student's scope of practice, discussing concerns about scope limitations with the attending physician is crucial. This action demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to patient safety, as it ensures that tasks are performed by qualified individuals. Open communication with the attending can clarify the boundaries of practice, reinforce appropriate delegation of duties, and promote a collaborative healthcare team environment.

Engaging in an open dialogue allows the PA student to express their concerns while also seeking guidance on how to handle such situations appropriately. This approach helps maintain the integrity of the healthcare team and adheres to legal and ethical standards. The attending physician can provide insight or alternative solutions, ensuring that patient care is not compromised.

Stopping all tasks, continuing to perform the tasks against one's training, or seeking advice solely from peers does not address the responsibility of ensuring patient safety and adhering to professional standards. Those options could lead to confusion, unethical practices, or compromised patient care, which highlights the importance of communication with a supervising physician.