Medical Assistant Prep / Unit 1 MAS 003 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
The Clinical Duties
The idea
On the clinical side, a medical assistant gathers information, measures, prepares and assists, always under a provider's direction.
In practice
Step one is the interview: the medical assistant asks the patient about the reason for the visit and records the medical history. Step two is measurement: vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse and temperature, along with height and weight. Step three is assisting: preparing the room and the patient, and helping the provider during the examination. Step four is specimens: collecting and preparing blood and other samples for laboratory tests. Step five is medication, and only where it is allowed: giving injections or other medications when the provider directs it and state law permits it. Step six is the record: entering the vital signs and test results so the provider can see them.
Where people slip
Every one of these steps depends on permission. Whether you may give a particular injection or perform a particular test depends on the state, the employer and the provider's order, not on whether you know how to do it.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Medical Assistant Prep