Respond to the following post using one or more of the following approaches:
Share additional interview and communication techniques that could be effective with your colleague’s selected patient.
Suggest additional health-related risks that might be considered.
Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
Discussion Post: Building a Health History
Introduction
As Advanced Nurse Practitioners, developing a relationship with the patient is vital to building a health history. Establishing a relationship with the patient through effective communication, such as setting a tone when speaking and listening, will determine a patient and advanced practice nurse’s relationship. There are many factors that a patient is seeking medical help as a nurse practitioner, considering gender, age, ethnicity, or environmental settings are vital. The assigned case scenario of a 21-year-old Filipino college student living in a dorm wanting to know what birth control is will include interview techniques for building a health history, risk assessment instruments, potential health-related risks, and targeted patient-specific questions.
Summary of Interview
As an advanced nurse practitioner, I would knock on the door and smile when entering the exam room professionally dressed. While maintaining eye contact, I would introduce myself and ask the patient to identify themselves using their name and date of birth. I will then sit on a stool to meet the patient at eye level and ask them to express their concerns. Asking open-ended questions will allow patients to express their thoughts and feelings openly (Slade & Sergent, 2022). The provider should create a space for the patient to express their concerns without being judgmental. Some patients may feel uncomfortable answering sexual history questions due to either sexual abuse or trauma; therefore, getting medical care might be the only way to seek help. Speaking to the patient and letting them know that a sexual history is essential during the medical visit and sometimes offering resources might be the best option (CDC, 2022). Lastly, I would ask the patient if there are any other questions or concerns that she may have.Summary of Interview
Risk Assessment Instruments
Risk assessment tools are questionnaire models used by healthcare providers to collect health information pertaining to the patient. To obtain sexual history from the patient the Five P’s may be used. The Five Ps stand for partners, practices, protection from STIs, past history of STIs, and prevention of pregnancy (Ball et al., 2019). With these questions the provider can give the patient the correct treatment if needed and provide helpful resources on birth control.Risk Assessment Instruments
Targeted Questions
The questions below pertain to the 21-year-old Filipino patient seeking information about birth control.
Are you sexually active? And if yes, ask the Five Ps; partners, practices, protection from STIs, past history of STIs, and prevention of pregnancy (Ball et al., 2019).
What method of contraception if any are you using?
Have you had a history of STIs?
Have you ever been pregnant?
What is your sexual orientation?
Conclusion
As an advanced nurse practitioner, it is vital to obtain as much information from the patient during the interview process. Obtaining a sexual history might be uncomfortable for some therefore, maintaining privacy, professional, and non-judgmental zone is important. Another aspect to keep in mind is to understand the patient’s culture.
