Question

Which of the following tasks is outside the scope of practice of a medical assistant?

A. using an ECG to record the electrical rhythm of the heart
B. performing patient education related to diabetes
C. dispensing medication, such as Glucola, in collaboration with the physician
D. performing quality control functions on all laboratory equipment

Answer 1

A medical assistant is not responsible for performing quality control functions on all laboratory equipment.

Step-by-step explanation:

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who performs various administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other healthcare practitioners. While medical assistants play a crucial role in healthcare settings, there are certain tasks that fall outside their scope of practice. One such task is performing quality control functions on all laboratory equipment.

Quality control functions in a laboratory are usually performed by medical laboratory technologists or medical laboratory scientists who have specialized training in laboratory testing and equipment maintenance. They are responsible for ensuring that all laboratory equipment is functioning properly and producing accurate results. This involves conducting routine maintenance, calibrations, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

Medical assistants, on the other hand, are responsible for tasks such as taking patient vitals, preparing patients for examinations, administering medications, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, and performing basic laboratory tests. Their role is primarily focused on direct patient care and general administrative duties.