2.1 - Talk to Your Doc - Terms to Know

What is medical history?

• Pieces of evidence that indicate an illness that can be observed externally, such as a rash, coughing, or elevated temperature.

• The patient’s description of what they feel is their main health problem.

• A record of information about a patient’s past and current health. Includes information about the patient’s habits, lifestyle, and even the health of their family.

• Any subjective evidence of disease a patient perceives, such as aches, nausea, or fatigue. Symptoms allow the health care provider to narrow down the possible conditions that may be affecting the patient and then run tests to make a diagnosis.

What is the chief complaint?

• Pieces of evidence that indicate an illness that can be observed externally, such as a rash, coughing, or elevated temperature.

• The patient’s description of what they feel is their main health problem.

• A record of information about a patient’s past and current health. Includes information about the patient’s habits, lifestyle, and even the health of their family.

• Any subjective evidence of disease a patient perceives, such as aches, nausea, or fatigue. Symptoms allow the health care provider to narrow down the possible conditions that may be affecting the patient and then run tests to make a diagnosis.

What are the physical signs?

• Pieces of evidence that indicate an illness that can be observed externally, such as a rash, coughing, or elevated temperature.

• The patient’s description of what they feel is their main health problem.

• A record of information about a patient’s past and current health. Includes information about the patient’s habits, lifestyle, and even the health of their family.

• Any subjective evidence of disease a patient perceives, such as aches, nausea, or fatigue. Symptoms allow the health care provider to narrow down the possible conditions that may be affecting the patient and then run tests to make a diagnosis.

What are symptoms?

• Pieces of evidence that indicate an illness that can be observed externally, such as a rash, coughing, or elevated temperature.

• The patient’s description of what they feel is their main health problem.

• A record of information about a patient’s past and current health. Includes information about the patient’s habits, lifestyle, and even the health of their family.

• Any subjective evidence of disease a patient perceives, such as aches, nausea, or fatigue. Symptoms allow the health care provider to narrow down the possible conditions that may be affecting the patient and then run tests to make a diagnosis.

What is a demeanor?

• The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

• Outward behavior or bearing. A doctor might have a cheerful, peaceful, or friendly demeanor and put the patient at ease. A doctor with an arrogant or dismissive demeanor might lose a patient’s trust.

• Discretion and sensitivity in dealing with others. A doctor might exhibit tact when they choose their words carefully so as to not upset a patient when they must deliver bad news.

What is empathy?

• The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

• Outward behavior or bearing. A doctor might have a cheerful, peaceful, or friendly demeanor and put the patient at ease. A doctor with an arrogant or dismissive demeanor might lose a patient’s trust.

• Discretion and sensitivity in dealing with others. A doctor might exhibit tact when they choose their words carefully so as to not upset a patient when they must deliver bad news.

What is tact?

• The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

• Outward behavior or bearing. A doctor might have a cheerful, peaceful, or friendly demeanor and put the patient at ease. A doctor with an arrogant or dismissive demeanor might lose a patient’s trust.

• Discretion and sensitivity in dealing with others. A doctor might exhibit tact when they choose their words carefully so as to not upset a patient when they must deliver bad news.

What are white blood cells?

• The five types of cells that the body uses to fight infection and injury and maintain our health. 

• The cells that transport oxygen around the body.

• The cell fragments that assist with clotting.

• The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

• The proportion of red blood cells in the blood.

What are red blood cells?

• The five types of cells that the body uses to fight infection and injury and maintain our health. 

• The cells that transport oxygen around the body.

• The cell fragments that assist with clotting.

• The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

• The proportion of red blood cells in the blood.

What is hemoglobin?

• The five types of cells that the body uses to fight infection and injury and maintain our health. 

• The cells that transport oxygen around the body.

• The cell fragments that assist with clotting.

• The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

• The proportion of red blood cells in the blood.