Health History Interview
Sandhya Varughese
Southern New Hampshire University
September 19, 2021
Health History
Interview Techniques
I used patient-centered techniques when conducting the interview. During the interview I was able to build trust and create a good rapport with the patient. Prior to the interview I sent a summary of all the details regarding the interview via the patient’s email using the simplest language possible. Consequently, the patient became aware of everything that would be discussed and the significance of the topic. On the interview day, I introduced myself by my title and rank and always addressed the patient by his name. I assured the patient their privacy and that any information discussed or disclosed would be confidential. The interview proceeded when the patient acknowledged that they had read and understood the contents sent via their email. The interview started with open-ended questions to make the patient be at ease or draw out any worries or concerns that he might have. It was followed by focused open-ended questions to examine the physical symptoms of the suspected or identified issues. I made sure that I used non-verbal cues such as nodding as well. I was also actively listening to the patient and seeking clarifications whenever I did not understand something. My caring nature assisted a lot in encouraging and cheering the patient to transition well into asking medical questions about his symptoms.
The Health History Elements
The patient is an active thirty-eight year old male. He is 5 feet 5 inches and weighs 190 pounds. The patient’s vital signs were within normal range. He does not have a history of high blood pressure. Patient reports he suffers from mild sleep apnea and wears his CPAP every night. The patient has high cholesterol, and takes medication daily for it. His family history also revealed the presence of high cholesterol in his mother. This proved that his condition could be inherited. Diabetes and heart conditions also run in his family. His mother had a heart attack in her fifties. While interviewing the patient he revealed he has a history of kidney stones. He also has a small patch of eczema on his right upper arm. He uses hydrocortisone ointment to treat it.
Health Risk and Health Behaviors
The patient was confirmed to be eating too many unsaturated fats, associated with an increased risk of high cholesterol levels. The patient also revealed that he works in an office where he rarely walks. Prolonged sitting is closely associated with obesity cases (Pinto et al., 2017). However, the patient is very active in his daily life. He does not attend a gym, but does workouts at home. He owns a rowing machine, a bowflex, and a punching bag. High cholesterol levels run in the family, thus causing a higher chance of inheriting the condition. After analyzing the data collected during the interview, I concluded that the patient should have his cholesterol level checked regularly, especially because the condition runs in his family. I also recommend him to see a nutritionist. A nutritionist could help him to figure out what types of foods he should be eating to help lower his cholesterol.
Health Promotion Need
The health promotion identified during the interview was behavioral change. The patient’s behaviors showed the highest vulnerability to high cholesterol levels. For example, the patient was revealed to have been eating food high in saturated fats. Therefore, behavior change can help in promoting his health.
References
Pinto, A. J., Roschel, H., de Sá Pinto, A. L., Lima, F. R., Pereira, R. M. R., Silva, C. A., … & Gualano, B. (2017). Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior: Overlooked risk factors in autoimmune rheumatic diseases? Autoimmunity reviews, 16(7), 667-674. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2017.05.001.