Chapter 4

Question 1

What is the purpose of a health history?

Answer 1

A health history provides:
Complete picture of past; present health
Describes individual as a whole; how they interacts with the environment
Records health strengths and coping skills
Recognize and affirm what the person is “doing right”

Question 2

What is the difference between a sign and a symptom?

Answer 2

A sign is an objective abnormality that is detectable on physical examination or in laboratory results. A symptom is a subjective sensation.

Question 3

What are the characteristics of a symptom?

Answer 3

Characteristics of symptoms include: 
Location
Character or quality
Quantity or severity
Timing
Setting
Aggravating or relieving factors
Associated factors
Patient’s perception

Question 4

What is the pneumonic in order to organize question on present health or history of present illness.

Answer 4

P: Provocative or palliative

Q: Quality or quantity

R: Region or radiation

S: Severity scale

T: Timing

U: Understand patient’s perception

Question 5

What is the purpose of the review of systems?

Answer 5

To evaluate past; present health state of each body system, souble check, in case any significant data were omitted in present illness section, and evaluate health promotion practice.

Question 6

What is SPICES?

Answer 6

Spices is a framework for assessing older adults, it focuses on 6 "marker conditions"
Sleep problems
Problems with eating and feeding 
Incontinence
Confusion 
Evidence of falls 
Skin Breakdown

Question 7

Describe the purpose of CAGE?

Answer 7

The cage test is used to identify patients who are at risk drinkers. CAGE stands for Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener.

1. Have you ever thought you should Cut down on your drinking?
2. Have you ever been Annoyed by criticism of your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt Guilty about your drinking?
4. Do you drink in the morning? (i.e., an Eye opener)

Question 8

What is HEEADSSS?

Answer 8

HEEADSSS is a method of interviewing that focuses on assessment of the Home environment, education and employment, Eating, peer-related Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide/depression, and Safety from injury and violence. The assessment tool is intended to maximize communication with the youth.