Final answer:
Medical assistants can perform intramuscular injections, but more advanced procedures like starting fluids or inserting catheters are usually done by nurses or doctors. The oral route is preferred for home antimicrobial treatment, but parenteral routes are an alternative in healthcare settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical procedures that can be performed by a medical assistant include giving an intramuscular injection. Medical assistants are typically not authorized to start fluids through a catheter, insert peripheral catheters, or administer intravenous injections, as these are more advanced procedures usually performed by nurses or doctors. It is important to note that the scope of practice for medical assistants can vary depending on the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction in which they work.
In terms of administering antimicrobial medication for a systemic infection at home, the oral route is often the most convenient and appropriate. If oral administration is not effective, such as in the case of gastrointestinal absorption issues, healthcare professionals may prefer a parenteral route, which includes both intramuscular and intravenous injections, but this is typically performed in healthcare settings.