History Basics
What is the first thing you should do when starting a patient interview?
Introduce yourself and explain your role
What does the acronym OPQRST help assess?
Pain or symptoms
Name one vital sign
Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, or oxygen saturation
How is heart rate usually measured manually?
By feeling the pulse
What is the first thing to do before suturing?
Wash your hands
What does “HPI” stand for in a medical interview?
History of Presenting Illness
What is one important thing to ask when a patient describes pain?
What the pain feels like (e.g., sharp, dull, throbbing)
What is the normal range for resting adult heart rate?
60-100 bpm
Why should you measure respiratory rate without telling the patient?
Because if the patient knows, they might change their breathing and give an inaccurate count
What is the most common suture technique for simple cuts?
Simple interrupted
What does the chief complaint refer to?
The main reason the patient is seeking care, in their own words
What is a “relieving factor” in symptom history?
Anything that makes the symptom better
Whats a normal respiratory rate for adults?
12-20 breaths per minute
Where do you typically feel the radial pulse?
At the wrist
What tool is used to hold the suture needle?
Needle driver
What is the purpose of asking about family history?
To identify potential genetic or hereditary risks
What is a “red flag” symptom?
A warning sign that suggests a serious condition needing urgent attention.
What is considered a high adult blood pressure?
> 135/85
What is the correct placement of the blood pressure cuff on the arm?
About 2–3 cm above the elbow crease, wrapped snugly around the upper arm
What angle should the needle enter the skin for best results?
45 degrees
What is the goal of the “review of systems”?
To screen for additional symptoms across body systems
How can a patient’s description of symptom timing help in diagnosis?
It can show patterns like whether symptoms happen at night, after eating, or during stress
Why might an adult’s resting heart rate be below 60 bpm and still be considered normal?
Because athletes or physically fit people often have lower resting heart rates
What tool is used to measure blood pressure?
Sphygmomanometer
What is the purpose of using forceps during suturing?
To hold and align the tissue without causing damage