Why is it important for a medical assistant to know a patient's medication allergies?

Knowing a patient's medication allergies is crucial for ensuring proper medication administration. This understanding helps the medical assistant and the healthcare team prevent administering any medications that could trigger an allergic reaction, which could lead to severe complications or even life-threatening situations. Allergies, particularly to medications, can vary in severity, and a healthcare provider must be aware of these to make safe clinical decisions regarding treatment options. This knowledge allows for the safe prescribing of alternative medications and helps in planning patient-centered care that takes into account any potential risks associated with the patient's allergy history.