A 15-year old female patient has experienced daily nausea for the past two months. The patient states that she feels like "I've eaten something that has upset my stomach.: She denies vomiting and weight loss. The patient has noticed a weight gain of 10 lb within this two-month period. Which heading of the medical history and physical examination does this statement represent?
A. Family history
B. Chief complaint
C. Social history
D. Present illness
Brenda -- you've asked several medical terminology questions this afternoon.
If you don't you know these answers, I suggest you either read your text materials or drop this class.
Use a dictionary if you don't understand some of the vocabulary.
Please note that Jiskha tutors HELP students -- but we are not an answer-supply forum.
The statement provided represents the "Chief complaint" section of the medical history and physical examination.
To determine this, we can break down the options given and understand their functions:
A. Family history: This section usually includes information about the patient's immediate family members and any significant medical conditions that may run in the family.
B. Chief complaint: This section consists of the patient's main reason for seeking medical attention or the primary symptom they are experiencing. It helps healthcare providers understand the patient's primary concern and guides further evaluation.
C. Social history: This section typically covers the patient's lifestyle, habits, and social circumstances, such as occupation, living situation, alcohol and drug use, tobacco use, and sexual history.
D. Present illness: This section focuses on the details and history of the current illness or symptoms the patient is experiencing, including the onset, duration, severity, associated symptoms, and any self-management attempts.
Given the statement, the patient's description of daily nausea, feeling like she's eaten something that upsets her stomach, and the absence of vomiting and weight loss represents the main reason for seeking medical attention, making it the "chief complaint." Therefore, the correct answer is B. Chief complaint.