2.1.1 Keyterms

Medical History

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

Chief Complaint

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

Physical Signs

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

Symptoms

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.

Diagnosis

The process of determining which disease or condition explains a person’s symptoms and signs.

Demeanor

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.

Tact

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.

Empathy

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

Feedback

Information about reactions to a product, a person’s performance of a task, etc. which is used as a basis for improvement.