The Family and Social History - FM Flashcards
What is the purpose of taking a family and social history?
To provide context to a patient’s health, assess risks, predict disease patterns, and personalise care.
Name three conditions that can be identified through family history.
Diabetes, hypertension, cancers, and heart disease.
What are some lifestyle factors explored in social history?
Smoking, alcohol use, drug use, diet, and physical activity.
List four components of a complete family history.
Age, health status, cause of death, and ethnic background.
Which family members are included in the extended family history?
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Why is age of disease onset important in family history?
It helps assess inherited risk and guides early screening or prevention.
What factors are considered in the social history under socioeconomic status?
Education level, employment status, income, and access to healthcare.
How does occupation influence social history?
Job-related stress, exposure to hazards, and working conditions.
Mention two mental health-related aspects of social history.
Stress levels and coping strategies; history of trauma, abuse, or mental illness.
What techniques help when taking a thorough social history?
Build rapport, ask open-ended questions, be nonjudgmental, and use tools like questionnaires or genograms.
How can family history inform preventive care?
By identifying risk factors early and guiding appropriate screenings or lifestyle modifications.
What are ethical considerations when taking family and social histories?
Informed consent, respecting privacy, and cultural sensitivity.
What is the significance of using a genogram in clinical history taking?
It helps visually map out hereditary patterns and relationships in the family.
