SURGICAL FINALS Passing the Clinical - PasTest

S E C T I O N 1Rappor t with the patientIt is important to establish a good rapport with your patient. Be friendlyand polite. Introduce yourself and say what you wish to do (I am ……..…….., I am a medical student and I would like to ask you about andexamine your ……….); ask for their verbal consent to these procedures(Are you happy with this?). Make sure that the patient is comfortable atall times. Do not ask the diagnosis immediately. On the other hand, if yougain the patient’s sympathy, he or she may point you in the right directionand may even show you physical signs.The histor yGo through your usual scheme, which should be familiar by now. Youwill probably be given paper and a writing board. Start with name, age,occupation and marital status. This is followed by seven headings.1. Presenting complaintAsk about the main problem(s). List these together with a time scale, eg2. History of presenting complaintAlways include the systemic enquiry of the system relevant to thepresenting complaint. Also ask the other appropriate questions (revised insections of this book).3. Past medical and surgical historyWhen asking about previous surgery, remember to ask if there were anyproblems with the anaesthetic, and how long the patient was in hospital.4. Drug history and allergies (including recreational drugs)8