Chapter 12

Question 1

Chief Complaint

Answer 1

Primary medical problem as defined by the patient; important because it focuses the clinical history toward the single most important issue

Example: The patient’s chief complaint was severe chest pain.

Question 2

Chronology

Answer 2

Time element of the history, usually including the onset, duration, frequency, and course of the symptoms

Example: The doctor asked about the chronology of the patient’s symptoms.

Question 3

Clinical History

Answer 3

Information available regarding a patient’s condition; traditionally comprises data on localization, quality, quantity, chronology, setting, aggravating or alleviating factors, and associated manifestations

Additional Information: Clinical history is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Question 4

Leading Questions

Answer 4

Undesirable method of questioning; provides information that may direct answers toward a suggested symptom or complaint

Leading questions can bias the patient’s responses.

Question 5

Localization

Answer 5

Determination of a precise area, usually through gentle palpation or careful wording of questions

Example: The doctor asked about the localization of the pain.

Question 6

Objective

Answer 6

Perceptible to the external senses

Objective findings are based on observable data.

Question 7

Quality

Answer 7

Description of the character of the symptoms— for example, the color, quantity, and consistency of blood or other body substances; size or number of lumps or lesions; frequency of urination or coughing; or character of pain

Quality of symptoms can provide valuable diagnostic information.

Question 8

Subjective

Answer 8

Pertaining to or perceived only by the affected individual; not perceptible to the senses

Subjective symptoms are based on the patient’s feelings or experiences.

Question 9

Which of the following is are desirable methods of conduction a clinical history interview

Answer 9

Positive nonverbal communication and defining and specifying terms