S E I D E L ’ S G U I D E T O
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION A N I N T E R P R O F E S S I O N A L A P P R O A C H
JANE W. BALL, DrPH, RN, CPNP Trauma Systems Consultant American College of Surgeons Gaithersburg, Maryland
JOYCE E. DAINS, DrPH, JD, RN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP
Professor and Director Advanced Practice Nursing
Department of Nursing The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer
Center Houston, Texas
JOHN A. FLYNN, MD, MBA, MEd Clinical Director and Professor of Medicine Division of General Internal Medicine The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, Maryland
9T H E D I T I O N
BARRY S. SOLOMON, MD, MPH Associate Professor of Pediatrics Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent
Medicine The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, Maryland
ROSALYN W. STEWART, MD, MS, MBA Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine Departments of Pediatrics and Internal
Medicine The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, Maryland
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Jane W. Ball, DrPH, RN, CPNP Jane W. Ball graduated from The Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Nursing and subsequently received her master’s and doctoral degrees in public health from The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. She began her nursing career as a pediatric nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner in The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Since completing her public health degrees, she has held many positions that enable her to focus on improving the healthcare system for children and adults, such as serving as the chief of Child Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing, and executive director of the Emergency Medical Services for Children National Resource Center based at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. As the center
director, she provided support to two federal programs: Emergency Medical Services for Children and the Trauma- Emergency Medical Services Systems Program. Dr. Ball serves as a consultant to the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma to help states improve their trauma care systems. She also serves as a consultant to Children’s National Medical Center supporting the development of a project to expand resources for the care of injured children. She is also the author of several pediatric nursing textbooks. Dr. Ball was recognized as a distinguished alumnus of The Johns Hopkins University in 2010.
Joyce E. Dains, DrPH, JD, RN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP As a board-certified family nurse practitioner with doctorates in both public health and law, Joyce E. Dains has had a rich and productive career in education and clinical practice. She graduated as valedictorian from the New England Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Boston and subsequently earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing from Boston College, graduating magna cum laude; a master’s degree in nursing from Case Western Reserve University; and a doctorate in public health from the University of Texas–Houston. She also completed a post-graduate nurse practitioner program at the Texas Woman’s University. She earned her law degree at the University of Houston and practiced law for a brief period. In addition to her current position, Dr. Dains has been in clinical practice, teaching, and leadership positions at major universities and medical institutions including the Ohio State University, the Uni- versity of Texas-Houston, the Texas Woman’s University,
and Baylor College of Medicine. She has been instrumental in the education of nursing students, nurse practitioners, medical students, and other healthcare professionals. As a family nurse prac- titioner, she has maintained a clinical practice in a variety of primary care settings. She is currently at the Uni- versity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center where she is Director for Advanced Practice Nursing, a family nurse practitioner in the Cancer Prevention Center, and chair, ad interim, for the Department of Nursing. Dr. Dains is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and is the recipient of other distinguished honors, including election to the National Academies of Practice. Dr. Dains is also the author of Elsevier’s Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Diagnosis in Primary Care.
John A. Flynn, MD, MBA, MEd John A. Flynn completed his undergraduate work at Boston College, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He attended medical school at the University of Missouri–Columbia where he was recognized in 2004 with the “Outstanding Young Alumni” award. Dr. Flynn completed his internship and residency at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, followed by a fellowship in rheumatology, and was selected to serve as an assistant chief of service for the Longcope Firm of the Osler Medical Service. Dr. Flynn also completed a master’s degree in business administration at The Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Flynn is currently the Vice President of the
Office of Johns Hopkins Physicians, as well as the Associate Dean and Executive Director of the Clinical Practice Association. He holds the John A. Flynn Professorship in Medi- cine. Dr. Flynn also serves as the medical director of the spondyloarthri- tis program at The Johns Hopkins University and is the co-director of the Primary Care Consortium. He is a founding member of the Vivien T. Thomas College within The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Colleges Advisory Program. Dr. Flynn is a Fellow with the American
About the Authors
iv About the Authors A
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College of Rheumatology and a Diplomat of the American Board of Rheumatology, as well as a Fellow to the American College of Physicians. Dr. Flynn holds memberships in the American College of Physicians, the American College of Rheumatology, the Spondyloarthritis Research and Treat- ment Network, and the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. He has served as an
editor of Cutaneous Medicine: Cutaneous Manifestations of Systemic Disease and the first and second editions of the Oxford American Handbook of Clinical Medicine. Dr. Flynn’s clinical interest is arthritis and his research interests include ambulatory education, the delivery of ambulatory care in an academic setting, and the care of patients with spondyloarthritis.
Barry S. Solomon, MD, MPH Barry S. Solomon graduated from the University of Penn- sylvania School of Medicine and completed his residency at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He subsequently completed a fellowship in general academic pediatrics at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, during which time he received a master of public health degree from The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Barry is currently an associate professor of pediatrics in the Division of General Pediatrics and Ado- lescent Medicine in the School of Medicine. His clinical work, research, teaching, and advocacy efforts relate to addressing the social and emotional needs of urban youth and caregivers through educational curricula, clinic-based interventions, and innovations in primary care delivery. For many years he worked closely with colleagues in the Women and Children’s Health Policy Center in the Bloom- berg School of Public Health on the Dyson Community Pediatrics Training Initiative National Evaluation, a longi- tudinal study assessing the impact of integrating community- based experiences and child advocacy skills into residency training. Dr. Solomon has a joint appointment in the Department of Health, Behavior and Society in the Bloom- berg School of Public Health, where he conducts research with faculty in the Center for Injury Research and Policy to prevent childhood injury. For the past 10 years, as medical
director of The Johns Hopkins Chil- dren’s Center Harriet Lane Clinic, Dr. Solomon has developed a nationally recognized and award-winning model for delivering family-centered care in an urban pediatric primary care setting. Many of the clinic’s patients and fami- lies experience significant social and financial challenges associated with living in poverty. In collaboration with hospital and community partners, sup- ported by philanthropic organizations, Dr. Solomon has brought an array of wrap-around services to the clinic. Programming includes an on-site safety resource center, mental health services for children and adolescents, a maternal mental health clinic, parenting groups, and a help desk to connect families with community resources (Health Leads©). Dr. Solomon is also an active clinical teacher and research mentor to medical students, residents, fellows, and junior faculty interested in addressing social determinants of health through primary care redesign. His academic career and personal mission have been centered on providing high-quality, family-centered primary care, while training new generations of health professioals to become advocates for vulnerable populations.
Rosalyn W. Stewart, MD, MS, MBA Rosalyn W. Stewart began her career at the University of Texas Medical Branch where she earned her medical degree and subsequently completed her combined internal medi- cine–pediatrics residency and a master of science degree in preventive medicine. She is currently an associate profes- sor in internal medicine and pediatrics at The Johns Hopkins University and is also a member of the faculty in the Bloomberg School of Public Health and The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. She completed a master of business administration degree with an emphasis on health care. She practices both general internal medicine and general pediatrics. Her academic focus is on medical education, primary care, and health disparities. She holds many posi- tions centered on these interests and has been recognized for her ability to carry forth the Osler philosophy, discipline,
and practice of medicine. She is associ- ate director of the Longitudinal Ambulatory Clerkship, a clinical clerk- ship devoted to primary care and systems of health practice. She focuses her efforts on assembling a cadre of excellent teachers, training the very best students of medicine in continuity of patient care, and developing new curricula for the education of the best clinicians. Her goal is to create physician leaders who will serve as primary care systems–level change agents and will provide effective, longitudinal, comprehensive, coordinated, person-focused care for the underinsured inner-city patient.
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Susan M. Beidler, PhD, MBE, APRN, FAANP Department of Nursing Briar Cliff University Sioux City, Iowa
Craig S. Boisvert, DO Professor and Chair of Clinical Sciences West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Lewisberg, West Virginia
Diane Bridge, EdS, RN, MSN School of Nursing Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia
Amber B. Carriveau, DNP, FNP-BC MSN Program Bellin College Green Bay, Wisconsin
Laura H. Clayton, RN, PhD, CNE Department of Nursing Education Shepherd University Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Shirlee Cohen, MPH, ANP-BC, NPP, CCRN DNP Candidate College of Nursing University of New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico
Tonya A Collado, RN, MSN St. Elizabeth School of Nursing University of Saint Francis Lafayette, Indiana
Amy Culbertson, DNP, MSN, BSN, FNP Assistant Professor School of Nursing & Health Sciences Georgetown University Washington, District of Columbia
Pamela Darby, RN, MSN, ACNS-BC, FNP-C Clinical Instructor Department of Nursing Angelo State University San Angelo, Texas
Reviewers Dian Colette Davitt, RN, PhD Professor Emeritus Department of Nursing Webster University St. Louis, Missouri
Lucinda Drohn, RN, MSN School of Nursing Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia
Jason Ferguson, BPA, AAS NREMT-Paramedic EMS Program Head Central Virginia Community College Lynchburg, Virginia
Renee Fife, MSN, CPNP Professor Emeritus College of Nursing Purdue University Northwest Hammond, Indiana
Sarah J. Flynn, MD, MPhil Darwin College University of Cambridge Cambridge, England
Rebecca A. Fountain, RN, PhD Assistant Professor College of Nursing and Health Sciences University of Texas at Tyler Tyler, Texas
Brian Garibaldi, MD Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department of Medicine Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland
Deanna Hanisch, MA Office of Information Technology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland
Alicia C. Henning, RN, BSN, SANE Member of American College of Forensic Examiners Member of International Association of Forensic Nurses Breckenridge Memorial Hospital Hardinsburg, Kentucky
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Nancy J. Kern, EdD, MSN, FNP-C, AGPCNP-C, APRN School of Nursing Spalding University Louisville, Kentucky
Pamela L King, PhD, MSN, FNP, PNP School of Nursing Spalding University Louisville, Kentucky
Carla Lynch, BSN, MS Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing School of Nursing The University of Tulsa Tulsa, Oklahoma
Duane F. Napier, RN, MSN Captio Department of Nursing The University of Charleston Charleston, West Virginia
Grace M. Nteff, DNP, MS, BSN School of Nursing Clayton State University Morrow, Georgia
Elizabeth Oakley, DHSc, MSPT Department of Physical Therapy Andrews University Berrien Springs, Michigan
Natacha Pierre, DNP, FNP-BC Health Systems Sciences Department University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing Chicago, Illinois
Kristin Ramirez, RN, MSN, ACNS-BC Assistant Clinical Professor of Nursing Department of Nursing Angelo State University San Angelo, Texas
Anita K. Reed, RN, MSN Department Chair Adult and Community Health
Practice Remington, Indiana
Susan K. Rice, RN, PhD, CPNP, CNS Professor College of Nursing University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio
Susan D. Rymer, RN, MSN Assistant Professor School of Nursing Bellin College Green Bay, Wisconsin
Marlene Sefton, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC Clinical Assistant Professor College of Nursing, Department of Health System
Sciences University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois
Pamella Stockel, RN, PhD, CNE Associate Professor of Nursing Loretto Heights School of Nursing Regis University Denver, Colorado
Ruthann Taylor, MS, CRNP, NP-C, AGPCNP-BC, GCNS- BC, OCN, CME
Passan School of Nursing Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Karen Vanbeek, MSN, CCNS Assistant Professor of Nursing School of Nursing Bellin College Green Bay, Wisconsin
Joy Turner Washburn, RN, EdD, WHNP-BC Kirkhof College of Nursing Grand Valley State University Allendale, Michigan
Lynn Wimett, EdD, MS, BSN Professor of Nursing Loretto Heights School of Nursing Regis University Denver, Colorado
John Zampella, MD Department of Dermatology New York University New York, New York
vii
Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination: An Interprofessional Approach was a landmark text when first published, in part because of the interprofessional team of nurse practi- tioner and physician authors. The use of interprofessional authors has continued through all editions, and the current team of nurse practitioner and physician authors brings the strengths of their respective disciplines to help students of all health disciplines learn to conduct a patient-centered inter- view and perform a physical examination. This text is written primarily for students beginning their careers as a healthcare professional.
The core message of the book is that patients are our central focus and must be served well. Learning how to take a history and perform a physical examination is neces- sary, but does not provide a full understanding of your patients. The relationship with your patients and the development of trust most often begins with conversation. Patients will more comfortably share personal and sensitive information when you develop a rapport and build trust. Such a relationship helps you obtain reliable information enabling you to serve your patients well. You are, after all, learning the stories of individuals with unique experiences and cultural heritage, and our interaction with them involves far more than the sum of body parts and systems. The art and skills involved in history taking and the physical examination are common to all of us, regardless of our particular health profession.
Organization The achievement of a constructive relationship with a patient begins with your mastery of sound history taking and physical examination. Chapter 1 offers vital “getting to know you” guidelines to help you learn about the patient as the patient learns about you. Chapter 2 stresses that “knowing” is incomplete without the mutual understanding of cultural backgrounds and differences. Chapter 3 gives an overview of examination processes and the equipment you will need.
Chapter 4 assists with the process of analyzing the information collected during the history and physical examination, and using clinical reasoning to support deci- sion making and problem solving. Chapter 5 provides guidance on recording the information collected into the patient’s written or electronic health record with particular emphasis on the Problem Oriented Medical Record (POMR) and the use of SOAP (Subjective findings, Objective findings, Assessment, and Plan).
Chapters 6 through 8 introduce important elements of assessment: vital signs and pain; mental status; and growth, development, and nutrition. Chapters 9 through 23 discuss
Preface specific body systems and body parts, with each chapter divided into four major sections: • Anatomy and Physiology • Review of Related History • Examination and Findings • Abnormalities
Each of these sections begins with consideration of the adult patient and ends, when appropriate, with variations for infants, children, and adolescents; pregnant persons; older adults; and individuals with disabilities.
To help you get organized, each chapter starts with a preview of physical examination components discussed. The Anatomy and Physiology sections begin with the physiologic basis for the interpretation of findings, as well as the key anatomic landmarks to guide physical examina- tion. The Review of Related History sections detail a specific method of inquiry when a system or organ-related health issue is discovered during the interview or examination. The Examination and Findings sections list needed equip- ment and then describe in detail the procedures for the examination and the expected findings. These sections encourage you to develop an approach and sequence that is comfortable for you and, also for the patient. In some chapters advanced examination procedures are described for use in specific circumstances or when specific conditions exist. Sample documentation of findings conclude these sections. You will note that the terms “normal” and “abnor- mal” are avoided whenever possible to describe findings because, in our view, these terms suggest a value judgment that may or may not prove valid with experience and additional information. The Abnormalities sections provide an overview of diseases and associated problems relevant to the particular system or body part. The Abnormalities sections include tables clearly listing pathophysiology in one column and patient subjective and objective data in another column for selected conditions. Full-color photos and illustrations are often included.
Chapter 24 details the issues relevant to the sports participation evaluation. Chapter 25 provides guid- ance for integrating examination of all body systems into an organized sequence and process. Chapter 26 provides guidelines for the change in standard exami- nation approaches in emergency and life-threatening situations. This information is only a beginning and is intended to be useful in your clinical decision making. You will need to add other resources to your base of knowledge.
The appendices and companion Evolve website content provide clinical tools and resources to document observa- tions or problems and complete the physical examination, preserving a continuous record.
viii Preface Pr
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Special Features
The basic structure of the book—with its consistent chapter organization and the inclusion of special considerations sections for infants, children, adolescents, pregnant persons, and older adults—facilitates learning. • Differential Diagnosis Tables—a hallmark of this text—
appear throughout the text. • Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Examination boxes
are reminders that our clinical assessment—as much as possible—should be supported by research.
• Risk Factors boxes highlight modifiable and nonmodifi- able risk factors for a variety of conditions.
• Functional Assessment boxes help students to consider specific physical problems and to evaluate their effect on patient function.
• Patient Safety boxes offer guidance about ways to promote patient safety during the physical examination or about patient education that supports safe practices at home.
• Sample Documentation boxes at the end of each Examina- tion and Findings section model good documentation practice.
New to This Edition The entire book has been thoroughly updated for this edition. This includes the replacement of illustrations of abnormal findings with updated photos and the use of new full-color photos and drawings to replace one- and two-color illustrations in the eighth edition. There are approximately 1200 illustrations in addition to the numerous tables and boxes that have traditionally given readers easy access to information. Among the many changes: • Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Examination boxes
have been thoroughly updated. These boxes focus on the ongoing need to incorporate recent research into clinical practice and decision making.
• Clinical Pearls boxes have been updated and revised. • The Abnormalities section is now in two columns to
better show the relationship between the summary of the pathophysiology and patient data, both subjec- tive and objective, associated with the condition or disorder.
• The Techniques and Equipment chapter includes updated recommendations for Standard Precautions.
• The Recording Information: Documentation chapter has been revised to add a focus on electronic health records and recording information electronically.
• The Growth, Measurement, and Nutrition chapter, integrates two separate chapters to better demonstrate the interdependence of nutrition, growth, and health.
• Updated cancer screening controversies and summary evidence are included in the abdomen, breast, and prostate chapters.
• Information about sensitive and respectful approaches to history taking and physical examination of lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender patients has been inte- grated into several chapters.
• The emergency or life-threatening situations chapter has been updated.
• The sports participation chapter includes recommenda- tions for assessing and managing patients with sports- related concussions.
Our Ancillary Package Seidel’s Physical Examination Handbook is a concise, pocket- sized companion for clinical experiences. It summarizes, reinforces, and serves as a quick reference to the core content of the textbook.
Student Laboratory Manual for Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination is a practical printed workbook that helps readers integrate the content of the textbook and ensure content mastery through a variety of engaging exercises.
Instructor Resources on the companion Evolve website (http:/evolve.elsevier.com/Seidel) include an extensive electronic image collection and a PowerPoint lecture slide collection that includes integrated animations, case studies, and a series of audience response questions. In addition, TEACH provides learning objectives, key terms, nursing curriculum standards, content highlights, teaching strate- gies, and case studies. Also available on the Evolve website are two thoroughly revised Test Banks, in ExamView® format, which faculty can use to create customized exams for medical, allied health, or nursing programs. Together these resources provide the complete building blocks needed for course preparation.
Student Resources on the companion Evolve website include a wide variety of activities, including audio clips of heart, lung, and abdominal sounds; video clips of selected examination procedures; animations depicting content and processes; 270 NCLEX-style review questions; and download- able student checklists and key points.
Also available is the thoroughly revised and expanded online course library titled Health Assessment Online, which is an exhaustive multimedia library of online resources, including animations, video clips, interactive exercises, quizzes, and much more. Comprehensive self-paced learning modules offer flexibility to faculty or students, with tutorial learning modules and in-depth capstone case studies for each body system chapter in the text. Available for individual student purchase or as a required course supplement, Health Assessment Online unlocks a rich online learning experience.
This edition is also available on Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource. Easy-to-use, interactive features let you make highlights, share notes, run instant searches, and much more. You can access your eBook online through Evolve or with apps for PC, Mac, iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire.
The existing physical examination video series com- prises 14 examination videos, each of which features an examination of a specific body system with animations and
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illustration overlays to demonstrate examination techniques in greater depth, and a fifteenth “Putting It All Together” video that shows a head-to-toe examination of an adult along with appropriate life span variations. The series includes three special topics: Effective Communication and Interviewing Skills, Physical Examination of the Hospitalized Patient, and Putting It All Together: Physical Examination of the Child. All 18 videos in this video series are offered in two formats: streaming (online) and networkable (for institutional purchase).
Our Core Values In the ninth edition of Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination: An Interprofessional Approach, we have made every attempt to consider patients in all of their variety and to preserve the fundamental messages explicit in earlier editions. These include the following: • Respect the patient. • Achieve the complementary forces of competence and
compassion. • The art and skill essential to history taking and physical
examination are the foundation of care; technologic resources complement these processes.
• The history and physical examination are inseparable; they are one.
• The computer and technology compliments you. Your care and skills are what builds a trusting, fruitful relation- ship with the patient.
• That relationship can be indescribably rewarding. We hope that you will find this a useful text and that it will continue to serve as a resource as your career evolves.
Dedication We dedicate the ninth edition of this text to two original authors, Henry M. Seidel, MD, and William Benedict, MD, who served on seven and six editions, respectively. Both physicians had academic appointments at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for decades and made important contributions to patient care and medical student education in their specialties of pediatrics and endocrinology/internal medicine, respectively.
As original authors they contributed greatly to the initial text design as well as to its ongoing development. Both Dr. Seidel and Dr. Benedict understood the importance of communication, sensitivity, compassion, and connection with patients. This text was one of the earliest collabora- tions of a physician and nurse author team, in this case to develop a text targeted to students of medicine, nursing, and other allied health professions. The ability of these physicians to mesh their visions with that of the nurse authors and to collaborate as an effective team allowed the authors to shape this text and share important values with students.
This text was renamed in Henry Seidel’s honor for the eighth edition as Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination.
Acknowledgments The ninth edition of our textbook is possible only because of the professionalism and skills of so many others who really know how to fashion a book and its ancillaries so that it is maximally useful to you. First, there are those instructors and students who have so thoughtfully and constructively offered comment over the years. Improvements in content and style are often the results of their suggestions.
While the authors have provided the content, it must be accessible to the reader. A textbook needs a style that ensures readability, and our partners at Elsevier have made that happen. Lee Henderson, our Executive Content Strate- gist, provided oversight and guidance with the eye of an experienced editor along with strategies to meet the changing environment of print and electronic publishing. The whole textbook revision is a demanding project requiring effective teamwork. Courtney Sprehe, Jennifer Hermes, and Saman- tha Dalton, our Content Development Specialists, maintained professional skill and calm while obtaining chapter reviews, editing chapters, and moving the project forward. Heather Bays did a spectacular job of keeping everything moving with her qualitative eye for detail and design throughout. Brian Salisbury’s design is visually appealing and showcases the content.
We also want to recognize the indispensable efforts of the entire marketing team led by Becky Ramsaroop, as well as the sales representatives, who make certain that our message is honestly portrayed and that comments and suggestions from the field are candidly reported. Indeed, there are so very many men and women who are essential to the creation and potential success of our ninth edition, and we are indebted to each of them.
The remarkable teaching tools we call the ancillaries need special attention. These are the laboratory manual, handbook, TEACH, test banks, Health Assessment Online, and video series, all demanding an expertise—if they are to be useful—that goes beyond that of the authors. Frances Donovan Monahan offers hers for the laboratory manual. Joanna Cain offers hers for the Power Point slides, nursing test bank NCLEX review questions, student checklists, and key points; Jennifer Hermes offers hers for TEACH; and Frank Bregar offers his for the advanced practice test bank. The careful attention to all asset development is overseen by Jason Gonulsen. The development of Health Assessment Online is led by Frances Donovan Monahan; Chris Lay; Nancy Priff, Glenn Harman, and Paul Trumbore’s efforts are essential to the success of the video series.
And finally—our families! They are patient with our necessary absences, support what we do, and are unstinting in their love. They have our love and our quite special thanks.
Jane W. Ball, DrPH, RN, CPNP Joyce E. Dains, DrPH, JD, RN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP
John A. Flynn, MD, MBA, MEd Barry S. Solomon, MD, MPH
Rosalyn W. Stewart, MD, MS, MBA
1
The History and Interviewing Process
CHAPTER
1 This chapter discusses the development of relationships with patients and the building of the histories or health- care narratives. We write of it as “building” a history rather than “taking” one because you and your patient are involved in a joint effort, a partnership, which should have, among other outcomes, a history that truly reflects the patient’s perspectives and unique status (Haidet, 2010; Haidet and Paterniti, 2003). The chapter discusses the context of the relationship in emotional, physical, and ethical terms and offers suggestions in verbal and nonverbal behavior that you may adapt to your individual comfort and style. Finally, we offer widely accepted, time-tested approaches to the structure of a history with adaptations suggested for age, children, adolescents, pregnant patients, older adults, and patients with disabilities. The history is vital to the appropriate interpretation of the physical examination.
Developing a Relationship With the Patient Our purpose is to offer instruction in learning about the well and the sick as they seek care. History and physical examination are at the heart of this effort. It is not easy to get the sense of another person or to fully appreciate someone else’s orientation in the world. You and the patient may seem to have a similar experience but may in all likelihood interpret it differently (see Clinical Pearl, “Unique,” Originally Derived From Latin “Unus,” Meaning “One”). On the other hand, you and your patient may come from very different backgrounds without any shared experi- ences. If you are to prevent misinterpretations and misper- ceptions, you must make every effort to sense the world of the individual patient as that patient senses it. (See Chapter 2 for additional discussion.)
The first meeting with the patient sets the tone for a successful partnership as you inform the patient that you really want to know all that is needed and that you will be open, flexible, and eager to deal with questions and explana- tions. You can also explain the boundaries of your practice and the degree of your availability in any situation. Trust evolves from honesty and candor.
A primary objective is to discover the details about a patient’s concern, explore expectations for the encounter, and display genuine interest, curiosity, and partnership. Identifying underlying worries, believing them, and trying to address them optimizes your ability to be of help. You need to understand what is expected of you. If successful, the unique and intimate nature of the interview and physical examination will be reinforced. You will savor frequent tender moments with patients when you recognize that your efforts are going well and that trust is there. We want to help ensure those moments occur.
CLINICAL PEARL
“Unique,” Originally Derived From Latin “Unus,” Meaning “One” We use “unique” in that sense of being the only one. Each of us is unique, incomparably different from anyone in the past, present, or future. No relationship, then, has an exact counterpart. Each moment is unique, different from the time before with the same patient.
From Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary, 2016.
CLINICAL PEARL
The Patient Relationship You will, in the course of your career, have numerous relationships with patients. Never forget that each time they are having an experience with you, it is important to them.
Much has been written about technology replacing the history and physical examination in some part, but personal- ized care of patients goes far beyond the merely technical. Appropriate care satisfies a need that can be fully met only by a human touch, intimate conversation, and the “laying on of hands.” Personal interactions and physical examination play an integral role in developing a meaningful and therapeutic relationships with patients (Kugler and Verghese, 2010).
This actual realization of relationships with patients, particularly when illness compounds vulnerability, cannot be replaced (see Clinical Pearl, “The Patient Relationship”).
Because cost containment is also essential, the well- performed history and physical examination can justify the appropriate and cost-effective use of technological resources. This underscores the need for judgment and the use of resources in a balance appropriate for the individual patient.
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ss them. You have to be aware of your cultural beliefs, faith, and conscience so that they do not inappropriately intrude as you discuss with patients a variety of issues. That means knowing yourself (Curlin et al, 2007; Gold, 2010; see also Chapter 2).
You react differently to different people. Why? How? Do you want to be liked too much? Does thinking about how you are doing get in the way of your effort? Why does a patient make you angry? Is there some frustration in your life? Which of your prejudices may influence your response to a patient? Discuss and reflect on such questions with others you trust rather than make this a lonely, introspective effort. You will better control possible barriers to a successful outcome.
Effective Communication Establishing a positive patient relationship depends on communication built on courtesy, comfort, connection, and confirmation (Box 1.2).
Be courteous; ensure comfort, both physical and emo- tional; be sure that you have connected with the patient with trust and candor; and confirm that all that has happened during the interaction is clearly understood and your patient is able to articulate the agreed-on plan. That is communication.
Seeking Connection. Examine your habits and modify them when necessary so that you are not a barrier to effective communication. Stiff formality may inhibit the patient; a too-casual attitude may fail to instill confidence. Do not be careless with words—what you think is innocuous may seem vitally important to a patient who may be anxious and searching for meaning in everything you say. Consider intellectual and emotional constraints related to how you ask questions and offer information, how fast you talk, and how often you punctuate speech with “uh-huh” and “you know.” The interaction requires the active encouragement of patient participation with questions and responses addressed to social and emotional issues as much as the physical nature of health problems.
At the start, greet the patient. Welcome others and ask how they are connected to the patient. Begin by asking open-ended questions (“How have you been feeling since we last met?” “What are your expectations in coming here today?” “What would you like to discuss?” “What do you want to make sure we cover in today’s visit?”). Resist the urge to interrupt in the beginning. You will be amazed how many times a complete history is provided without prompting. Later, as information accumulates, you will need to be more specific. However, early on, it is entirely appropriate to check the patient’s agenda and concerns and let the information flow. It is important not to interrupt the patient at the start of the interview and to ask whether there is “anything else” a few times to be sure the patient’s primary concerns are identified early in the visit. Thus, you and the patient can collaboratively set the current visit’s agenda.
At a first meeting, you are in a position of strength and your patients are vulnerable. You may not have similar per- spectives but you need to understand the patient’s if you are to establish a meaningful partnership. This partnership has been conceptualized as patient-centered care, identified by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) as an important element of high-quality care. The IOM report defined patient-centered care as “respecting and responding to patients’ wants, needs and preferences, so that they can make choices in their care that best fit their individual circumstances” (IOM, 2001). Box 1.1 identifies questions that represent a patient-centered approach in building a history. Your own beliefs, attitudes, and values cannot be discarded, but you do have to discipline
BoX 1.1 Patient-Centered Questions
The following questions represent a patient-centered approach in building a history. • How would you like to be addressed? • How are you feeling today? • What would you like for us to do today? • What do you think is causing your symptoms? • What is your understanding of your diagnosis? Its importance? Its
need for management? • How do you feel about your illness? Frightened? Threatened?
Angry? As a wage earner? As a family member? (Be sure, however, to allow a response without putting words in the patient’s mouth.)
• Do you believe treatment will help? • How are you coping with your illness? Crying? Drinking more?
Tranquilizers? Talking more? Less? Changing lifestyles? • Do you want to know all the details about your diagnosis and its
effect on your future? • How important to you is “doing everything possible”? • How important to you is “quality of life”? • Have you prepared advance directives? • Do you have people you can talk with about your illness? Where
do you get your strength? • Is there anyone else we should contact about your illness or
hospitalization? Family members? Friends? Employer? Religious advisor? Attorney?
• Do you want or expect emotional support from the healthcare team?
• Are you troubled by financial questions about your medical care? Insurance coverage? Tests or treatment you may not be able to afford? Timing of payments required from you?
• If you have had previous hospitalizations, does it bother you to be seen by teams of physicians, nurses, and students on rounds?
• How private a person are you? • Are you concerned about the confidentiality of your medical records? • Would you prefer to talk to an older/younger, male/female healthcare
provider? • Are there medical matters you do not wish to have disclosed to
others? We suggest that use of these questions should be determined by
the particular situation. For example, talking about a living will might alarm a patient seeking a routine checkup but may relieve a patient hospitalized with a life-threatening disease. Cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, fear, or related feelings as well as racial, gender, ethnic, or other differences should modify your approach.
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