Component of the Patient History

Full Answer Section

   

• Chief complaint: The main reason for the patient's visit.
• History of present illness (HPI): A detailed account of the patient's current illness, including the onset, duration, severity, and associated symptoms.
• Past medical history (PMH): A summary of the patient's past medical problems, including any surgeries, hospitalizations, or allergies.
• Social history: A summary of the patient's social and lifestyle factors, such as smoking status, alcohol use, and occupation.
• Family history: A summary of the patient's family medical history, including any significant medical conditions in first-degree relatives.
• Review of systems (ROS): A review of the patient's organ systems to identify any other potential problems.

Incident of improper blood pressure measurement When I was a nursing student, I was once measuring the blood pressure of a patient who was very anxious. I didn't take the time to calm the patient down before measuring their blood pressure, and I didn't properly support their arm. As a result, the patient's blood pressure reading was elevated. I learned a valuable lesson from this incident. It is important to take the time to calm patients down before measuring their blood pressure, and to properly support their arm. I also learned that it is important to be aware of the factors that can affect blood pressure readings, such as anxiety and exercise. Additional information on the goals of a patient interview A patient interview is an essential part of the diagnostic process. By gathering information about the patient's medical history, current health status, and chief complaint, healthcare providers can develop a better understanding of the patient's condition and make more informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment. In addition to the goals mentioned above, a patient interview can also help healthcare providers to:

• Build trust and rapport with the patient
• Identify the patient's cultural values and beliefs
• Elicit the patient's concerns and expectations
• Educate the patient about their condition and treatment options

A well-conducted patient interview is essential for providing high-quality healthcare. By taking the time to listen to the patient and gather comprehensive information, healthcare providers can better understand the patient's needs and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual.  

Sample Answer

   

Goals of a patient interview

The goals of a patient interview are to:

• Establish rapport with the patient
• Gather information about the patient's medical history, current health status, and chief complaint
• Assess the patient's needs and concerns
• Develop a plan for diagnosis and treatment

Components of the patient history

The patient history is a comprehensive record of the patient's medical history, current health status, and chief complaint. It is typically divided into the following sections: