Which of the following duties may a medical assistant perform in a clinical setting?

In a clinical setting, a medical assistant is well within their scope of practice to administer medication under the guidance and supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. This role typically involves preparing and giving medications as prescribed, which may include injections, oral medications, or topical applications. Medical assistants are trained to follow specific protocols to ensure patient safety and adherence to medical guidelines when administering medication.

While performing surgeries, providing physical therapy, and counseling patients may overlap with the healthcare field, these tasks usually require specialized training, certification, or licensure that falls outside the role of a medical assistant. For example, surgeries require extensive education and qualifications, typically reserved for surgeons or physician assistants, while physical therapy is provided by trained physical therapists. Counseling, although an essential part of patient care, is generally conducted by licensed professionals such as psychologists or social workers, who are better suited to address psychological and emotional concerns. Thus, administering medication aligns with the responsibilities typically assigned to medical assistants, making it the correct choice in this context.