How health professionals decide which medicines to prescribe Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of diagnosing an illness?
The primary purpose of diagnosing an illness is to discern the cause of the patient’s symptoms, which helps determine appropriate treatment, explain prognosis, and provide patient support.
What components are typically included in a medical history?
A medical history typically includes the presenting complaint, history of the presenting complaint, past medical history, drug history, social history, and a systematic enquiry of symptoms.
What is the significance of collateral history?
Collateral history is significant because it provides additional medical information from someone who knows the patient well, especially when the patient is unable to communicate due to confusion or coma.
How does social history contribute to patient care?
Social history helps healthcare providers understand how the patient copes with daily activities, their support systems, lifestyle factors (like smoking or drinking), and the impact of their condition on family and work life.
What is evidence-based medicine?
Evidence-based medicine is the conscientious use of current best evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to make informed decisions about patient care.
What factors determine the appropriate treatment for a patient?
Treatment decisions are based on the diagnosis, severity of the condition, patient allergies, co-morbidities, pregnancy/breastfeeding status, and potential interactions with other medications.
What does the CURB-65 score assess?
The CURB-65 score assesses the severity of pneumonia by assigning points based on confusion, urea levels, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and age (65 and older).
Where can healthcare professionals find reliable information about medications?
Healthcare professionals can find reliable information about medications in patient information leaflets, summaries of product characteristics available on the MHRA and eMC websites, and through other reputable medical resources.
What is the role of a systematic enquiry in diagnosis?
A systematic enquiry involves asking quick-fire questions about symptoms related to each organ system to ensure that no significant symptoms are overlooked during the diagnostic process.
How can a diagnosis help patients and caregivers financially?
A diagnosis can help patients and caregivers obtain financial support by providing the necessary documentation to access benefits or assistance programs related to their medical condition.
What is the first step in the diagnostic process?
The first step in the diagnostic process is obtaining the patient’s medical history, which includes understanding their presenting complaint and any relevant background information.
Why is it important to consider a patient’s drug history?
Considering a patient’s drug history is important to identify any current medications, potential allergies, and possible interactions with new treatments.
What types of questions are included in a systematic enquiry?
A systematic enquiry includes questions about symptoms affecting each organ system, such as respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal issues, neurological concerns, and more, to ensure a comprehensive assessment.
How can knowledge of a patient’s social history inform treatment plans?
Understanding a patient’s social history can inform treatment plans by highlighting their support systems, lifestyle habits, and potential barriers to adherence, enabling personalized care strategies.
What are some examples of co-morbidities that might affect treatment decisions?
Examples of co-morbidities include diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, chronic respiratory conditions, and mental health disorders, all of which can influence the choice and dosage of medications.
