Clinically it is felt as crepitus and, if extensive, may cause soft tissue swelling and discomfort. Even when severe subcutaneous emphysema is typically benign, although complications such as airway compromise, respiratory failure, pacemaker malfunction and tension phenomena have been described.
A medical assistant may lawfully perform spirometric pulmonary function testing if the test is a usual and customary part of the medical practice where the medical assistant is employed, and the requirements for training, competency, authorization and supervision are satisfied.
Medical assistants typically do the following: 1  Record patient history and personal information. 2  Measure vital signs, such as blood pressure. 3  Help the physician with patient examinations.  Give patients injections or medications as directed by the physician and as permitted by state 1  law. Schedule patient appointments.