What is one responsibility of a medical assistant in a clinical setting?

Administering medications as directed by a physician is a key responsibility of a medical assistant in a clinical setting. This role requires the medical assistant to be knowledgeable about various medications, including their proper administration routes and potential side effects. Medical assistants often assist in ensuring that patients receive their medications on time and may also provide education on how to take them properly, emphasizing adherence to the physician's orders. This responsibility is crucial for patient safety and effective treatment.

In contrast, performing complex surgical procedures is generally outside the scope of practice for medical assistants, as such tasks are reserved for trained surgeons and surgical teams. Diagnosing diseases falls exclusively within the physician's domain, as it requires extensive medical training and expertise. Finally, managing the hospital's financial operations is typically handled by administrative staff or finance professionals, not clinical medical assistants, who focus more on patient care and clinical tasks.