Which parties are involved in ensuring accurate diagnosis in hospital practice?

• A. Attending physician only
• B. Consulting physicians only
• C. Nurses
• D. Both attending and consulting physicians

Answer: (D)

Diagnosis in hospital practice relies on a collaborative diagnostic process that combines the primary physician’s leadership with specialist input. The attending physician oversees the initial evaluation, orders and interprets tests, and coordinates the overall care plan within the patient’s context. When issues exceed the attending’s scope, consulting physicians bring focused expertise, review the differential diagnosis, confirm or adjust test interpretations, and offer a second opinion to refine the diagnosis. This teamwork helps reduce misinterpretation and missed conditions and supports choosing the most appropriate treatment. Nurses contribute essential data through accurate observations and timely reporting, but the formal responsibility for diagnosing rests with the attending and any consulted physicians.