Which of the following is an example of a duty that must be performed by a licensed veterinarian?

Administering vaccinations is a responsibility that falls exclusively under the purview of a licensed veterinarian. This duty requires a thorough understanding of veterinary medicine, including knowledge of vaccine types, dosing, potential side effects, and the health status of the animal. Only licensed veterinarians are qualified to evaluate the health of the pet in order to determine appropriate immunizations, ensuring that the vaccinations are administered safely and effectively.

The other options, while important for the overall functioning of a veterinary practice, do not require a licensed veterinarian's expertise. Assessing patient history can be performed by trained veterinary technicians or assistants, who gather critical information about an animal's health but do not make medical decisions. Cleaning surgical instruments is a vital task that supports hygiene in the practice but is typically handled by support staff. Assisting in the front office includes administrative duties that are essential for managing appointments and client communication, yet again, do not necessitate a veterinarian's license. Each of these tasks plays an important role in veterinary care, but they do not require the specific medical training and legal authority that a veterinarian possesses.