Hover over the Patient Data items below to reveal important information, including Pro Tips and Example Questions.
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Experts selected these topics as essential components of a strong, thorough interview with this patient.
A combination of open and closed questions will yield better patient data. The following details are facts of the patient’s case.
Established chief complaint
Reports increased breathing problems and shortness of breath
Reports decreased effectiveness of inhaler
Asked about onset of symptoms
Reports symptoms began two days ago
Asked about frequency and duration of SOB episodes
Reports exacerbations lasting several minutes
Reports exacerbated breathing about every 4 hours since original episode
Reports waking up twice a night with asthma the past 2 nights
Asked about severity of symptoms
Describes asthma severity as “not full attack,” but worse than usual
Reports asthma has been interfering with activities of daily life
Asked about character of symptoms
Reports recent wheezing
Reports chest tightness
Denies chest pain
Asked about cough
Reports cough
Cough has persisted since original asthma exacerbation 2 days ago
Describes cough as “dry”
Describes cough as “small” and not severe
Reports cough slightly relieved by drinking water
Has not treated cough with medication or home remedies
Asked about aggravating factors
Reports symptoms worse at night
Reports symptoms increase when lying flat on back
Reports symptoms aggravated by movement
Confirmed use of medications
Confirms medications (no new medications reported)
Followed up about inhaler use
Uses an inhaler to treat asthma symptoms
Inhaler is Proventil
Reports most recent inhaler use was this morning
Reports using inhaler every 4 hours or so since exacerbation
Prescribed usage is 2 puffs
Reports needing more than 2 puffs to resolve asthma symptoms
Confirmed allergies
Confirms allergies (no new allergies reported)
Followed up on exposure to allergy and asthma triggers
Reports cat allergy triggered recent episodes
Reports dust as a known trigger
Reports activity such as walking up stairs as a known trigger
Denies seasonal pattern
Denies changes in weather as a trigger
Reports minimal exposure to asthma triggers at work
Asked detailed questions about asthma history
No current asthma doctor
Diagnosed with asthma in childhood
Age of diagnosis was 2 1/2 years old
Asked about hospitalizations for asthma
Reports prior hospitalizations for asthma
Reports last hospitalization was age 16
Estimates 5 total hospitalizations for asthma
Reports she has never been intubated
Followed up about non-medication forms of asthma management
Denies record keeping of asthma exacerbation or shortness of breath episodes
Denies using peak flow meter
Denies nebulizer use
Asked about exercise and activity level
Reports general low activity level
Reports diminished activity due to asthma
Asked about environmental control
Reports living situation is tidy and free of dust
Reports hypoallergenic bedding hygiene
Avoids animals and has no pets at home
Avoids exposure to secondhand smoke
Asked about possible contributing factors in health history
Denies history of eczema
Denies history of sinus problems
Denies history of GERD, heartburn, or indigestion
Denies history of COPD or emphysema
Asked about smoking, inhalants, or tobacco
Denies history of tobacco use, including cigarettes
Reports past history of marijuana use
Last use of marijuana was age 20 or 21
Denies inhaling substances
Asked about general symptoms
Denies recent respiratory or other illness
Denies fever
Denies nausea or vomiting
Denies chills
Reports low energy level
Denies night sweats
Asked review of systems for respiratory
Denies phlegm or sputum
Denies sore throat, swelling, or difficulty swallowing
Denies nasal drainage
Asked about relevant family history
Reports no recent illnesses with family members at home
Reports younger sister as only family with asthma
Reports younger sister as only family member with allergies
Reports no family history of eczema
Reports no family history of chronic nasal or sinus problems
Reports no family history of COPD or emphysema