Being able to understand verbal communication is important in any profession, but it is especially important to understand medical terminology in a healthcare setting. This activity will allow you to practice your listening and interpretation skills. You are presented with two patient summaries, which contain multiple medical terms that you have been studying this module. To prepare for this assignment, listen to each patient summary below ( ) and answer the corresponding questions.
As a healthcare professional, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of medical terminology in order to effectively communicate and interpret information in a healthcare setting. Verbal communication plays a significant role in providing appropriate care to patients. This assignment aims to enhance your listening and interpretation skills by presenting two patient summaries that incorporate various medical terms covered in this module. To prepare for this task, please listen to each patient summary and answer the following questions.
Patient Summary 1:
Summary: Mrs. Johnson is a 60-year-old female who presents with fatigue, shortness of breath, and anemia. She reports feeling tired and easily fatigued even with minimal physical activity. Mrs. Johnson also complains of difficulty breathing and experiences palpitations occasionally. She has a pale appearance, and her temperature is 98.6°F. Her blood pressure is within normal limits at 120/80 mmHg. Lab results reveal a decreased red blood cell count (RBC) and low hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Mrs. Johnson’s medical history includes a previous diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.
1. What symptoms does Mrs. Johnson present with?
2. What are the objective findings related to her physical examination?
3. What are the laboratory results that support her diagnosis?
4. What is Mrs. Johnson’s medical history relevant to her current presentation?
Patient Summary 2:
Summary: Mr. Smith is a 45-year-old male who complains of severe lower abdominal pain and blood in his urine. He describes the pain as sharp and intermittent, and it radiates to his groin. Physical examination reveals tenderness in the lower abdomen, and his bladder is distended. Mr. Smith’s vital signs are within normal limits, with a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg and a heart rate of 80 beats per minute. His urinalysis reveals the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs), as well as bacteria. A computed tomography (CT) scan shows the presence of kidney stones in his left kidney.
1. What symptoms does Mr. Smith complain of?
2. What are the objective findings related to his physical examination?
3. What are the laboratory results that support his diagnosis?
4. What imaging study further confirms his diagnosis?
Listening to and comprehending the patient summaries is essential to answering the questions accurately. Understanding the symptoms, objective findings, laboratory results, and relevant medical history is vital for accurately diagnosing and managing patients in a healthcare setting. In addition, familiarity with the terminology being used will allow you to make connections and draw conclusions based on the information provided.
By engaging in this exercise, you will have the opportunity to practice your listening and interpretation skills while also deepening your understanding of medical terminology. This will ultimately enhance your ability to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals and provide optimal care to your patients.