Which of the following is a common task performed by chiropractic assistants?

Taking patient histories and vital signs is a fundamental and common task performed by chiropractic assistants. This role is critical in ensuring that the chiropractor has the necessary information to assess the patient's condition and provide appropriate care.

When chiropractic assistants gather patient histories, they typically ask questions about the patient's medical background, current health concerns, and any relevant lifestyle factors. This information helps the chiropractor in formulating a diagnosis and developing a treatment plan tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Additionally, measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate allows for monitoring the patient's overall health and can identify any urgent health issues that may need to be addressed.

While providing nutritional counseling, conducting spinal surgeries, and writing treatment protocols may involve health and wellness aspects related to chiropractic care, they are typically outside the standard responsibilities of chiropractic assistants. Nutritional counseling often requires specific expertise; spinal surgeries are performed by licensed chiropractors or medical doctors; and treatment protocols are generally developed by chiropractors based on their clinical judgment rather than by assistants.