Which health professional may serve as a primary care provider and has the authority to prescribe medication?

• A. Physician Assistant
• B. Registered Nurse (RN)
• C. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• D. Cardiovascular system

Answer: (C)

A Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice clinician who can function as a primary care provider and has prescriptive authority. NPs combine advanced clinical training with independent or collaborative practice to assess patients, diagnose conditions, manage treatment plans, order and interpret diagnostics, and prescribe medications. This combination—direct access in many settings and the ability to prescribe—fits the role of a PCP best in many healthcare systems.

In contrast, a Registered Nurse generally does not prescribe meds, and a body system like the cardiovascular system is not a health professional. A Physician Assistant can also serve as a primary care provider and prescribe medications, but practice rules for PAs vary by jurisdiction and often involve physician supervision or collaboration, whereas NP prescribing authority is a defining part of their typical scope.