Physical Examination Ch. 1 Flashcards
Approach to the Clinical Encounter (67 cards)
What is a clinical skill?
Any discrete act within the overall process of patient care.
What constitutes clinical competence?
The purposeful selection and integration of individual skillful acts during the patient encounter.
How do clinical skills evolve?
They evolve with each patient encounter as the clinician develops professional relationships and clinical competence.
What is the foundation of the therapeutic alliance with patients?
Trust.
What is the difference between a clinician-centered and a patient-centered approach?
Clinician-centered focuses on acquiring symptoms to identify disease, while patient-centered recognizes patients’ personal concerns and context.
Define the disease/illness distinction model.
Disease is the clinician’s explanation of symptoms leading to diagnosis; illness is how the patient experiences the disease.
What are the five major steps in the enhanced Calgary–Cambridge Guides?
- Initiating the session
- Information gathering
- Physical examination
- Explaining and planning
- Closing the session
What is the importance of initiating the encounter?
It is critical for building a therapeutic relationship with the patient.
What should be considered when adjusting the environment for a clinical encounter?
- Privacy
- Comfort
- Arrangement of seating
- Avoiding physical barriers
Why is it important to review the clinical record before seeing a patient?
It provides important background information and suggests areas to explore.
What should be clarified before talking with the patient?
Your goals for the interview.
How should a clinician greet a patient?
Introduce yourself, provide your name, and if possible, shake hands.
What is the significance of identifying a patient’s preferred name and gender pronouns?
It shows respect and helps establish rapport.
Fill in the blank: An effective clinical encounter moves through a logical _______.
sequence.
True or False: The clinician-centered approach can often bypass personal dimensions of the illness.
True.
What factors can shape a patient’s experience of illness?
- Prior personal or family health
- Impact on everyday life
- Patient’s outlook
- Coping style
- Expectations about care
What role does empathy play in a patient-centered approach?
It helps fully convey caring attributes like respect and sensitivity.
What should be done to enhance communication during a clinical encounter?
Make the environment as confidential and comfortable as possible.
What does the term ‘shared decision making’ refer to?
Negotiating a plan of action with the patient.
Fill in the blank: The initial moments of your encounter lay the foundation for your ongoing _______.
relationship.
What should clinicians avoid when addressing patients?
Using overly familiar names without permission.
What does the concept of gender identity entail in the clinical context?
It is evolving and includes all patients regardless of their gender identity.
How should you address a patient initially?
Use their title and last name, unless permission is given for first names
Avoid overly familiar names like ‘dear’ or ‘sweetie’ as they can be depersonalizing.
What is the importance of asking patients about their pronouns?
It respects their gender identity and promotes inclusivity
Sharing your own pronouns can help create a comfortable environment.
