Taking a History Step by Step

In a busy consultation room at Boston General Hospital, Sean guides Allison through her first patient interview.

Taking a History Step by Step

Listen and choose the right answer

What is Sean's role in the dialogue?

• He is a patient visiting the clinic.
• He is a senior doctor teaching a student.
• He is a pharmacist from Seattle.

Why does the patient answer every question before it is asked?

• He is a retired surgeon who knows the routine.
• He read the script of the lesson beforehand.
• He is in a huge rush to catch a train.

What symptoms does the patient mention in his quick summary?

• A broken arm and a knee injury.
• A cough, a fever, and a headache.
• A stomach ache and a skin rash.

How does Allison react to the patient's behavior?

• She gets very angry and stops the interview.
• She is surprised because it's a first for her.
• Ignored the patient completely.

Listen again and complete the sentences

• Sean: Allison, remember that we always ____ step by step so we don't miss anything important.
• Allison: I'm ready, Dr. Miller. First, I'll ask the patient about his chief complaint and his main ____ .
• Sean: That's right. Then you need to check his ____ and ask if he has any known allergy.
• Allison: That explains why he just listed his ____ , his fever, and his medication list in one breath.
• Allison: He even mentioned that his ____ started yesterday and that cold air is his main trigger.

Sources: photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels