Bates: Foundations for Clinical Proficiency
What are the 7 attributes of a symptom? - ANSWER-Location, quality (i.e. sharp, burning), how severe
it is, timing (frequency, onset, duration), setting in which it occurs, what has aggravated or relieved
the symptom, associated manifestations
Ex. Mr. Jones reports burning subxiphoid pain that occurs every morning before going to PA school;
he noticed his pain once classes began in August 2017. He describes that this pain lasts for an hour
and is a 7/10; this is worsened when studying to a 8/10. This pain is occasionally accompanied by a
"cramping in his stomach."
Subjective data - ANSWER-Information patient gives you, symptoms, history
Objective data - ANSWER-Signs, laboratory tests, test data, physical exam findings
Difference between sign and symptom - ANSWER-Signs are quantitative in nature: you can measure
these such as you can measure a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms are subjective and
cannot typically be qualified: patient feels feverish and pressure in subxiphoid.
What are the 8 components of an adult health history? - ANSWER-Identifying data, reliability, chief
complaint, present illness, past history, family history, personal and social history, review of systems
What is the best type of lighting to inspect structures on phys exam? - ANSWER-Tangential lighting
What is tangential lighting - ANSWER-Lighting that allows for light to be cast across body surfaces to
examine contours, depressions, elevations into sharper focus
What equipment is necessary for a physical exam? - ANSWER-Ophthalmoscope, otoscope
Flashlight/penlight
Tongue depressors
Ruler, tape measure
Thermometer
Watch with second hand
Sphygmomanometer (BP cuff)
Stethoscope
Visual acuity card
Reflex hammer
Tuning forks
Cotton swabs for testing sensation and two point discrimination
Cotton to test sense of light touch
Gloves and lubricant for Oral, vaginal, rectal exam
Vaginal specula and equipment for cytologic and bacteriological studies (Pap smear, etc)
Tools to write down findings
What are standard precautions? - ANSWER-Blood, bodily fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous
membranes, nonintact skin can transmit infections
What do standard precautions entail? - ANSWER-Hand hygiene, use of PPE, safe injection practices,
safe handling of contaminated equipment, cough etiquette, respiratory hygiene
What are the CDC's key situations in which hand hygiene should be practiced? - ANSWER-Before
touching patient even with gloves on
Before leaving patient's cafe area after touching the patient or leaving their immediate environment
After contact with bodily fluids/substances
What are the 7 attributes of a symptom? - ANSWER-Location, quality (i.e. sharp, burning), how severe
it is, timing (frequency, onset, duration), setting in which it occurs, what has aggravated or relieved
the symptom, associated manifestations
Ex. Mr. Jones reports burning subxiphoid pain that occurs every morning before going to PA school;
he noticed his pain once classes began in August 2017. He describes that this pain lasts for an hour
and is a 7/10; this is worsened when studying to a 8/10. This pain is occasionally accompanied by a
"cramping in his stomach."
Subjective data - ANSWER-Information patient gives you, symptoms, history
Objective data - ANSWER-Signs, laboratory tests, test data, physical exam findings
Difference between sign and symptom - ANSWER-Signs are quantitative in nature: you can measure
these such as you can measure a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms are subjective and
cannot typically be qualified: patient feels feverish and pressure in subxiphoid.
What are the 8 components of an adult health history? - ANSWER-Identifying data, reliability, chief
complaint, present illness, past history, family history, personal and social history, review of systems
What is the best type of lighting to inspect structures on phys exam? - ANSWER-Tangential lighting
What is tangential lighting - ANSWER-Lighting that allows for light to be cast across body surfaces to
examine contours, depressions, elevations into sharper focus
What equipment is necessary for a physical exam? - ANSWER-Ophthalmoscope, otoscope
Flashlight/penlight
Tongue depressors
Ruler, tape measure
Thermometer
Watch with second hand
Sphygmomanometer (BP cuff)
Stethoscope
Visual acuity card
Reflex hammer
Tuning forks
Cotton swabs for testing sensation and two point discrimination
Cotton to test sense of light touch
Gloves and lubricant for Oral, vaginal, rectal exam
Vaginal specula and equipment for cytologic and bacteriological studies (Pap smear, etc)
Tools to write down findings
What are standard precautions? - ANSWER-Blood, bodily fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous
membranes, nonintact skin can transmit infections
What do standard precautions entail? - ANSWER-Hand hygiene, use of PPE, safe injection practices,
safe handling of contaminated equipment, cough etiquette, respiratory hygiene
What are the CDC's key situations in which hand hygiene should be practiced? - ANSWER-Before
touching patient even with gloves on
Before leaving patient's cafe area after touching the patient or leaving their immediate environment
After contact with bodily fluids/substances
