Which of the following is a required skill for medical assistants?

Taking medical histories is a fundamental skill required for medical assistants because it involves gathering crucial information from patients that healthcare providers use to make informed decisions about patient care. This process includes understanding a patient's past medical history, current medications, allergies, and any other relevant health information.

By accurately documenting this information, medical assistants play a vital role in ensuring that healthcare professionals have the necessary context to diagnose and treat patients effectively. This skill is often performed in both clinical and administrative settings, making it essential for the overall functioning of healthcare delivery.

The other options, while important in the broader medical field, are not typically within the scope of practice for medical assistants. Performing surgical procedures, administering anesthesia, and developing treatment plans are generally reserved for more advanced healthcare professionals such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, or physicians.