14. Principles of Assessment

Question 1

Chief Complaint

Answer 1

The statement (USUALLY IN THE PATIENTS OWN WORDS) that describes the symptoms or concern associated with the primary problem the patient is having; in emergency medicine, it is the reason the patient call EMS

Question 2

Closed-ended question

Answer 2

A question requiring only a yes or no answer.

Question 3

Crepitation

Answer 3

The grating sound or feeling of broken bones rubbing together.

Question 4

Diagnosis

Answer 4

A description or label for a patient’s condition that assists a clinician in further evaluation and treatment.

Question 5

Differential Diagnosis

Answer 5

A list of potential diagnosis complied early in the assessment of the patient.

Question 6

History of the present illness or injury (HPI)

Answer 6

Information gathered regarding the symptoms and nature of the patient’s current concern; the events and or mechanism leading up to the current problem.

Question 7

Jugular

Answer 7

Bulging of the neck veins.

Question 8

Open-ended question

Answer 8

A question requiring more than just a yes or no answer

Question 9

Past medical history (PMH)

Answer 9

Information gathered regarding the patient’s health problems in the past.

Question 10

O.P.Q.R.S.T

Answer 10

A memory aid in which the letters stand for questions asked to get a description of the present illness:
O: Onset
P: Provocation
Q:Quality
R: Region/Radiation
S: Severity
T: Time/ time incident happened.

Question 11

S.A.M.P.L.E

Answer 11

A memory aid in which the letters stand for elements of the past medical history:
S: Sings and Symptoms
A: Allergies
M: Medications
P: Past Medical History
L: Last Oral Intake/Meal
E: Events leading to the injury or illness