Education & Empathy
: 4 of 5 (80.0%)
During the patient interview, there are a number of opportunities to provide patient education and empathy. The opportunities listed below are those identified by nursing experts to be of particular importance to this patient. A
Model Statement
is provided as an example of an appropriate response to each opportunity.
Opportunities marked as
Not Encountered
are opportunities that were not elicited in the interview
Opportunities marked as
Not Followed Up
are missed opportunities that were present in the interview, but where no statements were made
Opportunities marked as
Followed Up
were followed up by students, and include the dialogue between student and patient
1 Symptoms
Followed Up
Description:
Tina describes the symptoms that have been bothering her.
What brings you in today?
Question
10:45 PM MDT
I’ve been noticing my heart seems to be beating too fast every once in a while lately, and it started to worry me. My mom said I should make an appointment. You don’t want to ignore heart stuff, I guess.
That must be frightening for you. I’m sorry you’re going through that.
Empathize
10:46 PM MDT
I appreciate you telling me that.
Model Statement:
“I’m sorry to hear you’re experiencing those symptoms; they can be very uncomfortable. I’ll ask you some questions to learn more about your symptoms, and we will try to determine what’s causing you to feel this way.”
2 Hypertension
Not Followed Up
Description:
Tina has signs of hypertension and a strong family history of the disease, but does not take any action.
Do you have hypertension?
Question
10:51 PM MDT
…I’ve never been diagnosed with blood pressure problems. But I think it can be on the high side sometimes.
Do you monitor your blood pressure at home?
Question
10:51 PM MDT
Only when I’m here at the clinic.
Do you monitor your heart rate at home?
Question
10:51 PM MDT
No, I’ve never done that.
Do you know if your heart has an abnormal rhythm?
Question
10:52 PM MDT
I don’t, honestly. [AUDIO COMING SOON]
Model Statement:
“A family history of hypertension means that you may be at risk for developing it, too, and you’ve had some high blood pressure readings. Keeping your blood pressure low is important to avoid health problems in the future with your heart and other organs.”
3 Stress
Followed Up
Description:
Tina describes being busy, anxious, and stressed out.
Tell me about your stress levels
Question
12:38 AM MDT
Oh, geez. This whole year has been… I mean, it’s been the most stress I’ve had in my life. Right now our biggest worry is money, since, you know, this whole year we haven’t had Dad’s income. School can be stressful, too. Well, I guess it keeps me busy, but it’s only bad when I have a lot of tests, like mid-terms or finals.
I’m sorry to hear that it’s been a stressful year for you.
Empathize
12:39 AM MDT
Thanks for understanding.
Model Statement:
“Sounds like you’re working really hard. I’m sorry you’re dealing with so much stress.”
4 Caffeine
Followed Up
Description:
Tina drinks a high level of caffeine and does not stay hydrated with water.
How many energy drinks do you drink?
Question
12:37 AM MDT
I’ve been having one every morning over the past month or so. A few times I’ve had two.
Caffeinated beverages can speed up your heart rate and blood pressure. They can be very dangerous.
Educate
12:37 AM MDT
Thanks for telling me.
Model Statement:
“Drinking high levels of caffeine can make you feel stressed or anxious, and can dehydrate you. Over time, lots of caffeine can make you experience “crashes” during the day, too. Let’s talk about healthy alternatives.”
5 Exercise
Followed Up
Description:
Tina does not exercise on a regular basis.
Do you exercise?
Question
12:54 AM MDT
I’m pretty exhausted by the end of the day, so I don’t have the energy to do any extra exercise. But I’m on my feet all the time at work so I feel like that’s a little bit of exercise most days at least.
I understand that you’re tired at the end of the day and that is good that you get some exercise at work. However even just walking for 30 minutes a day could drastically improve your health and even extend your life.
Educate
12:55 AM MDT
That makes sense.
Model Statement:
“I understand being busy and having very little free time. However, exercise is healthy for you, and can even relieve stress. Even small amounts of exercise, such as taking a short walk, can improve your health.”
Leave a Reply