Posted: September 4th, 2022

Health History

Health History

Conduct a health history on a family member or friend. You can use the form located in your Health Assessment lab manual book or from Week Two classroom assignment. You do not need to submit the health history form with your paper. Be sure they give you permission. Using the interviewing techniques learned in Module 2, gather the following information. Use your textbook as your guide.

Present Health
Past Medical Health
Family History
Review of Systems

While this is only a partial health history, summarize in 3 -5 pages the information you gathered.

Get custom essay samples and course-specific study resources via course hero homework for you service – Include your answers to the following questions in the summary:

Was the person willing to share the information? If they were not, what did you do to encourage them?
Was there any part of the interview that was more challenging? If so, what part and how did you deal with it?
How comfortable were you taking a health history?
What interviewing techniques did you use? Were there any that were difficult and if so, how did you overcome the difficulty?
Now that you have taken a health history discuss how this information can assist the nurse in determining the health status of a client.

Your assignment needs to be completed in Ace homework tutors – APA format & have accurate spelling and grammar.

Health History
Was the person willing to share the information? If they were not, what did you do to encourage them?
The person was willing to share their health information but at first, they were reluctant to provide the fine details. However, I introduced myself by indicating the intention of collecting the data. I indicated that the purpose of the data was academic purposes only. Another introductory remark was that the information would not be used for any other purposes unless for academic use. It was essential to assure the person that the data would be protected from third parties. Privacy of the data was a great motivating factor for the friend to share their health information. The person was first afraid that they would feel embarrassed if people learned about their health information. I assured the patient that the information would be protected using diverse means. I assured the friend that I would preserve their dignity by protecting the data.
Was there any part of the interview that was more challenging? If so, what part and how did you deal with it?
The patient had multiple conditions and a history of depression. For instance, the client indicated they were bored with school work, had a low appetite, and unwillingness to participate to attend classes, bathe, or go out with friends. One of the most challenging parts of the interview was to reveal that she is a lesbian. She opened up amidst tears that she was facing diverse challenges in accessing healthcare services. The patient had a history of trauma, abuse, and rape. It was difficult for them to open up the sensitive information. According to the friend, the family does not know she is a lesbian. Her mother does not know why she does not attend the health clinics as recommended. The patient had a difficult time since they would recall the past and experience the pain all over again. It was a difficult moment comforting the patient while listening to the story.
One of the ways of dealing with the difficult part was to exercise active listening paying attention and maintaining eye contact. I encouraged the friend that it was healthy since it would heal the broken heart.
How comfortable were you taking a health history?
I was comfortable recording the health history until the patient started sharing about their lesbian behavior. I was not sure how they have been handling all the emotional baggage without sharing it with other people. For instance, I was worried the patient was almost at the tipping point of their health. I was afraid they would commit suicide or self-harm. I was struggling to balance between recording the information in my notebook and listening to the friend and maintaining eye contact. When the friend started sobbing, I reached out with my handkerchief to wipe their tears. It was an emotional moment for me as well. At last, I switched my phone recorder to record audio since I could not take all the notes and exercise active listening simultaneously.
The client indicated they had been raped by their cousin and had not gone for a test to check for sexually transmitted infections. I used the opportunity to encourage them to get the test.
What interviewing techniques did you use? Were there any that were difficult and if so, how did you overcome the difficulty?
I used various interviewing techniques to make the friend feel comfortable sharing information. First, I introduced myself and stated the reason for collecting the information. I was relaxed to ignite a good environment for the interview. Before the interview began, I created a rapport with the friend by asking about their background and education. I created humor to make the person relaxed and comfortable. Another technique is maintaining quality eye contact and a conversational flow during the interview.
The interview techniques were flowing since I had rehearsed. I would find it enjoyable to apply the techniques since I enjoy talking to people. I appreciate how journalists talk to interviewees. I was enjoying every bit of the interview with my friend. Another reason is that we have been friends and thus it was a new person to be afraid of.
Now that you have taken a health history discuss how this information can assist the nurse in determining the health status of a client.
The information shows that the patient is suffering from mental illness. The signs indicate that the patient has depression. The information shows that the patient needs further evaluation to determine if they are suffering from co-occurring disorders. The health information shows the need to take medication and attend therapy sessions. Another health issue is that the patient was previously raped by a cousin and they are not aware of their health condition. It is essential to assess the patient for sexually transmitted infections. The patient needs further evaluation as the treatment for depression continues. The patient is willing to attend therapy if the therapists will respect their sexual orientation.

Order | Check Discount