26 Questions
What is the primary purpose of taking a patient's history?
To identify symptoms and signs of a disease
What is the difference between a symptom and a sign?
A symptom is a patient's description, while a sign is a physician's finding
What type of question is 'How old are you?'?
Closed question
What is the correct sequence of events in the diagnostic process?
History taking, examination, investigations
What is the primary benefit of taking a thorough history?
It guides the physician's approach to further examination and investigation
What is the primary purpose of asking 'Do you have any drug allergy' during the patient's history taking?
To determine potential allergic reactions to medications
What is the ideal way to document the patient's complaint in their own words?
As briefly and concisely as possible
What is the primary purpose of taking a personal history from a patient?
To establish a rapport with the patient and gather demographic information
What is the purpose of the 'History of the present illness' section in a patient's medical history?
To describe the patient's current symptoms and complaints
What is the benefit of using open-ended questions during the patient's history taking?
To encourage the patient to provide more information about their symptoms and concerns
What is the primary symptom associated with a patient's chief complaint of chest pain?
Dyspnea
A patient presents with palpitation as a symptom. What system is likely to be affected?
Cardiovascular system
What is the likely underlying cause of a patient's symptoms of dyspnea and chest pain?
Cardiac ischemia
A patient presents with chest pain and palpitation. What is the next step in the analysis of the complaint?
Symptom analysis
What is the relationship between dyspnea and chest pain?
They are commonly associated symptoms
What is a risk factor for cancer of the colon?
Family history of cancer colon
Which of the following is a risk factor for Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Immobilization
What is a complication of Hypertension?
Deep Vein Thrombosis
What is a consequence of Consanguinity?
Increased risk of genetic disorders
What is a risk factor for Bilharziasis?
Contact with contaminated water
What is the primary site for checking temperature in a neonate?
Rectal
What is the characteristic of Central Cyanosis?
Involves the tongue in cyanotic heart disease
What is the term for a drop in diastolic blood pressure of more than 10 or systolic blood pressure of more than 20 when standing up?
Orthostatic hypotension
What is the normal range of pulse rate?
60-100
What is the cause of non-pitting edema?
Lymphedema
What is the term for yellow skin that is not jaundice?
Hypercarotinemia
Study Notes
History Taking
- Good history taking is crucial for reaching a correct diagnosis, followed by physical examination and investigations.
- History is the best guide for correct diagnosis.
Symptoms and Signs
- Symptoms: patient's description of their complaint.
- Signs: findings by the physician.
- Same finding can be both symptom and sign, e.g. swelling, redness, rash, deformity.
Types of Questions
- Closed questions: specific, direct questions, e.g. "How old are you?" or "Do you have any drug allergy?"
- Open questions: encourage patient to elaborate, e.g. "Can you tell me more about your complaint?"
Personal History
- Includes: name, age, gender, occupation, address, marital status, habits.
Present Illness History
- Analysis of the complaint.
- Symptoms related to the affected system.
- Relevant medical history, e.g. hypertension, TB, IID, bilharziasis, hepatitis, DVT.
Family History
- Includes: family members with cancer or other conditions, consanguinity, socioeconomic state.
General Examination
- Inspection: jaundice, yellow skin, cyanosis, pallor, hypercarotenemia.
- Temperature: types (continuous, intermittent, remittent, cyclic), causes of increased heat production, sites of measurement.
- Blood pressure: precautions, measurement techniques, differences between right and left upper limb, upper and lower limb.
Vital Signs
- Pulse: normal range (60-100), causes of increased heart rate, measurement sites.
- Congested neck veins: causes, e.g. heart failure, hypervolemia, pericardial effusion, superior vena cava obstruction or syndrome.
- Edema: types (generalized, localized), causes, e.g. heart failure, renal, hepatic, hypoproteinemia, DVT, trauma, inflammatory.
Learn about the importance of history taking in medical diagnosis, understand the difference between symptoms and signs, and explore types of questions asked during patient examination.
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