Medical Assessment Techniques

OLDCARTS

• Onset: Refers to the beginning of symptoms or conditions.
• Location: Indicates where the symptoms are occurring in the body.
• Duration: Describes how long the symptoms last or have been experienced.
• Character: Provides details on what the symptoms feel like (e.g., sharp, dull, throbbing).
• Associated/Aggravating Factors: Highlights other factors that may worsen the symptoms or are present during their occurrence.
• Relieving Factors: Identifies what alleviates the symptoms.
• Temporal Factors: Relates to the timing of symptoms, including frequency and patterns.
• Severity of Symptoms: Addresses the intensity of the experience, often on a scale.

MAISHIFT

• Medications: Includes any medications currently taken by the patient or prescribed.
• Allergies: Records known allergies, particularly to medications or substances.
• Immunizations: Tracks any vaccinations received by the patient.
• Surgeries: Lists any past surgical procedures the patient has undergone.
• Hospitalizations: Notes any previous hospital stays, including reasons for admission.
• Injuries: Documents any significant injuries the patient has sustained.
• Travel: Considers any recent travel history and potential exposure to different environments.

HORSSES

• Habits: Discusses lifestyle habits that may impact health, such as smoking or alcohol use.
• Occupation: Considers the patient's job role and potential occupational exposures.
• Relationships: Explores the patient's interpersonal relationships, which may affect health.
• Safety of Relationships: Assesses the security and healthiness of the patient’s relationships.
• Sexual History: Discusses sexual health, practices, and potential risks.
• Environment: Evaluates the physical and social environment in which the patient lives.
• Spiritual: Considers the patient’s spiritual beliefs and practices that may influence health.

This quiz focuses on two critical frameworks for medical assessment: OLDCARTS and MAISHIFT. You'll explore how to evaluate symptoms and patient history effectively. Test your knowledge on identifying onset, duration, medications, and more related to patient care.