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.
In some cases, a medical assistant may be tasked with look at a patient's throat, and swabbing for strep infection. Some medical assistant may draw blood from patients for testing. Medical assistants are generally responsible for taking patients' medical histories. Medical assistants may schedule appointments for a busy doctor's office. Some medical assistants also take on secretarial duties. Medical assistants are often called upon to take a patient's blood pressure and other vital signs. Patients often meet with a medical assistant prior to meeting with a doctor.