PBS Activity 2.1.1 - Activity 2.1.3

Efficient Visits:

In the United States, a typical doctor's visit lasts only 15 to 20 minutes on average. Because time is limited with each patient, it is important that a doctor is efficient and thoughtful in deciding what questions to ask.

Previous History

Includes information about any past health issues, procedures, medications, vaccinations, and previous hospital stays.

physical signs

Pieces of evidence that indicate an illness that can be observed externally, such as a rash, coughing, or elevated temperature.

Hypertension

-Stage 1: 130-139or80-89Hypertension -Stage 2: 140 or higheror90 or higher Hypertensive Crisis(Emergency care needed)Higher than 180and/or Higher than 120

hypertensive crisis

>180 and/or >120 mmHg

When they evaluate whether a mole is normal or abnormal, they often refer to an ABCDE system and evaluate the following criteria.

A (Asymmetry)One half of the mole does not match the shape of the other half B (Border)The edges of the mole are irregular or jagged C (Color)The mole is not one uniform color, but shows different colors or shades throughout D (Diameter)The diameter of the mole is larger than a pencil eraser E (Evolving)The mole appears to be changing (shape, color, size) over time

medical history

A record of information about a patient's past and current health. Includes information about the patient's habits, lifestyle, and even the health of their family.

Social History

Addresses aspects of the patient's life, such as living situation, occupation, school, travel, and other activities that could have a direct or indirect impact on health.

Dystolic pressure

The diastolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart undergoes diastole (heart is at rest, allowing the chambers to fill with blood). less than 80 mmHg.

Ears.

The ear is a complex organ responsible for hearing and balance. External, middle, and inner ear structures conduct sound waves through the ear and to the brain via nerves. Doctors use a device called an otoscope, a tool with a light and magnifying glass, to look inside the ear

respiration rate

The number of breaths per minute or, more formally, the number of movements indicative of inspiration and expiration per unit time. 12-20 Breaths/min.

chief complaint

The patient's description of what they feel is their main health problem.

diagnosis

The process of determining which disease or condition explains a person's symptoms and signs.

pulse

The rhythmic expansion and recoil of arteries resulting from heart contraction.BMI

triage

The sorting and prioritization of patients based on the urgency of their need for care.

Systolic Pressure

The systolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart undergoes systole (heart contracts to push blood throughout the body). Less than 120 mmHg.

The normal range for blood pressure for an adult is:

less 120/less 80 mmHg

body temperature

measurement of the degree of heat of the deep tissues of the human body using a thermometer. Average body temperature 98.6 F.

Heart Rate (HR)

number of heart beats per minute

blood pressure

the pressure that is exerted by the blood against the walls of blood vessels measure in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) using a sphygmomanometer. Systolic/Diastolic

oxygen saturation (SpO2)

the ratio of the amount of oxygen present in the blood to the amount that could be carried, expressed as a percentage 98-100%

symptoms

Any subjective evidence of disease a patient perceives, such as aches, nausea, or fatigue. Symptoms allow the health care provider to narrow down the possible conditions that may be affecting the patient and then run tests to make a diagnosis.

Descriptions of sounds heard during breathing:

Clear-A clear woosh of air with each inhalation and exhalation. Wheezing-A high-pitched whistling sound caused by narrowed airways; can sometimes be heard without a stethoscope. Crackles (rales)-Short and intermittent clicking, rattling, or popping sounds heard during inhalation when air is forced through an airway narrowed by fluid. Stridor Harsh, shrill sound, similar to wheezing, usually heard closest to the back of the neck, as it is caused by a partially obstructed windpipe. Rhonchi-A snore-like sound heard when airways are partially obstructed

Lymphatic System

Composed of a network of vessels, ducts, nodes, and organs. Provides defense against infection by producing White Blood Cells.

Components of a Medical History

Current History, Previous History, Social History, and Family History

Tact

Discretion and sensitivity in dealing with others. A doctor might exhibit tact when they choose their words carefully so as to not upset a patient when they must deliver bad news.

Effective Conversations:

Establish rapport, or a sympathetic and positive relationship, and keep the conversation friendly. Sit across from your patient and make eye contact. Be ready to take brief, concise notes, but avoid looking down at your notes while you ask questions or while listening to the patient's answers. Take your questions one step at a time, and truly listen to the patient. Pay attention to their facial expressions and gestures and take note of any that seem significant; they can provide clues that guide follow-up questions. Be respectful and open minded. Do not make any prejudgments or assumptions about the patient. Review the Active Listening and Interpreting resource for more tips about effective communication.

Snellen eye chart

First number: Distance (in feet) that you stand from the chart. Second number: Distance (in feet) at which a person with normal eyesight could read the same line you read correctly.

Family History

Includes medical information about the patient's close relatives. For example, a patient may have inherited a health condition that could place them at a higher risk of having many disorders—such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers, or diabetes.

What symptoms might a patient report that could indicate a problem with the eyes?

Itching, Tearing, Red eyes and Swelling.

Homoeostasis

Maintaining a constant internal environment

vital signs

Measurements of the body's most basic functions and useful in detecting or monitoring medical problems.

Active listening and interpreting

Pay attention, be open, use body language, and reflect, summarize and clarify.

Demeanor

Outward behavior or bearing. A doctor might have a cheerful, peaceful, or friendly demeanor and put the patient at ease. A doctor with an arrogant or dismissive demeanor might lose a patient's trust.

Current History

Patient's chief complaint and any other current health issues, symptoms, and any treatments or tests the patient has recently had or is scheduled to have related to these conditions. Nutrition, allergies, medication, and health habits, such as exercise are also part of the patient's current history.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

BMI (body mass index)

a measure of body weight relative to height Underweight - Less than 18.5 Normal - 18.5 - 24.9 Overweight - 25 - 29.9 Obese - 30 - 39.9