Listen to the following conversation between a health professional and a client. The HP will perform a physical exam.
Health professional: When was your last physical exam?
Patient: I had my last physical three years ago.
Health professional: Have you had any other exams recently? Blood work, EKG or an ultra-sound?
Patient: No.
Health professional: How have you been feeling in general?
Patient: I have been feeling a bit run down.
Health professional: Okay, I’m going to take your blood pressure.
Patient: Certainly.
Health professional: Alright, 120 over 80. That's fine. You seem to be a healthy weight, that's good. Do you exercise regularly?
Patient: No, not really. If I run up a flight of stairs, it takes me a while to get my breath back. I need to be more active.
Health professional: That would probably be a good idea. How about your diet?
Patient: I think I eat a pretty balanced diet. You know, I'll eat fast food from time to time, but generally I have a well-balanced meal.
Health professional: That's good. Now, I need to listen to your heart. Please pull up your shirt, and breathe deeply... It may feel a little cold.
Patient: Ooh, that's cold!
Health professional: Don't worry it's just my stethoscope. Now, breathe in … hold your breath… Everything sounds good. Let's take a look at your throat. Please open wide.
Health professional: Good just like that. OK. Everything looks good. I'm going to order some blood work. This way, we can see if there are any changes since your last tests. Take this slip to the front desk and they'll arrange an appointment for the tests.
Patient: Thank you. Have a nice day.
Teacher: In this dialogue, you heard the health professional provide step-by-step explanations of what she was doing. This probably helped reassure the patient.
Student: What does reassure mean? Understand?
Teacher: It means to make someone feel comfortable and at ease.
Student: Ok, I understand. It is important for our patients to feel safe, that’s why we always tell them each step of what we are doing.
Teacher: Exactly! Like when the health professional said, “I’m going to take your blood pressure,” and “now, I need to listen to your heart.” Did you notice when the health professional gave a reason why she was doing something? She said, “I'm going to order some blood work. This way, we can see if there are any changes since your last results.”