26,27

Z I Taking a history

Put the following questions in the dialogue below. a And sińce that incident?

b Now, can you tell me about your lifestyle? Do you smoke or drink?

c Have you experienced any problems in your legs at all? d What's the problem with your chest? e Can you describe this pain? f What seems to be the trouble?

9 And how long did the pain last? h Do you think the weather affects it?

i And what about your family? Is there any history of heart problems or blood pressure problems?

j I see, and how is business at the moment? k Can you tell me a bit morę about these pains?

I Have you got a job?

1    Good morning Mr Lin. My name's Dr Frank. What seems to

be the trouble?_

lt's my chest, doctor.

2    _

Weil, 1 sometimes get pains in it.

3    1 see._

Weil it started when I was on holiday and I had to climb a steep hill from the town to our hotel. I got a bad pain in my chest.

4    \ _

It was across the front of my chest and sort of up into my neck. My arms felt heavy and I couldn't get my breath.

(>i11y .i lew minutes and then I was OK again.

ii)__

I w leli II several limes recently, usually when Fm lifting things ni iiishlng. I just can't get my breath.

Yes, on cold days it's worse.

I smoku the occasional cigar and I like a dram in the evening. But Fiu not a heavy drinker!

U (>1 course not!_

I liaw my own business. A smali printing company.

li)___:_

Nol very good, actually. There's too much competition from the big companies.

11 Mm!_

No, not that I know of.

No, I haven't.

OK. Thank you Mr Lin. Now Fd like to examine you it you don't mind.

It’s important to use open questions as much as possible when inten/iewing patients to allow them to offer and explain as much as they feel able to. While the patient is speaking it is often possible to pick up on clues about contributing factors. For this you need good listening skills.

Section 4: Dealing with the patient 27