Which of the following describes a typical responsibility of a medical assistant in oncology?

• A. Assisting the physician with patient examinations and preparing for procedures
• B. Prescribing medications
• C. Performing surgical procedures
• D. Diagnosing cancer

Answer: (A)

Medical assistants support the clinician during patient encounters by helping with examinations and getting the procedure area ready. In oncology this means greeting the patient, taking vital signs, updating records, assisting the physician during the exam, and helping prepare the room and instruments for procedures under supervision. This hands-on support fits the MA role, which centers on aiding the physician and keeping the workflow smooth, not making medical decisions or performing higher‑level tasks. Prescribing medications, performing surgical procedures, and diagnosing cancer require licensed clinicians with specific training and authority, so those duties are not within the typical medical assistant role.