A clinical interview is one of the most viable diagnostic tools for physicians. Interviews create an environment where the doctor can gather relevant information concerning the health condition of the patient. It is, however, important to note that clinical interviewing is one of the challenging skills for physicians to master. Interviewing skills demand for both emotional and intellectual competence (Henry, et al. 2011). A balance between the analytical skills of diagnostic reasoning and interpersonal skills must be established to ensure communication with the patient is effective.
Interviewing is a critical component of the art of medicine. The physician must ask questions that will aid in determining the most likely cause of the patient’s problem. Information gathered during the interview also assists in ruling out possible health conditions in addition to facilitating the development of an effective management plan.
Interview questions for breast cancer patient.
The physical health of a patient is an important aspect to consider during the diagnosis of any healthy condition. When dealing with a patient suspected of breast cancer the physician should inquire about the physical health of the patient (Henry, et al. 2011). The patient should be asked whether she has experienced any skin irritation, breast and nipple pain, abnormal discharge from the nipples, swelling of the breast as well as scaling and redness (Dirbas & Scott-Conner, 2011). These questions would help determine whether the patient is presenting with symptoms of breast cancer. The patient should also be asked whether she has painful and swollen lymph nodes around the collarbones and under the arm. It is also important to ask the patient whether she can feel masses or lumps in her breasts. The patient should also be asked whether the family has a history of breast cancer since genetic factors largely predispose this condition. An inquiry of the patient’s lifestyle should also be done during the interview. The patient should be asked whether she drinks alcohol, the birth control method she uses, whether she takes part in physical activities as well as her breastfeeding history (Dirbas & Scott-Conner, 2011).
Clinical findings
Patients suffering from breast cancer present with different symptoms ranging from minor to intense. These symptoms include swelling of the breasts, intense skin irritation, and pain on the nipples and the breast. The patient may also experience thickening of the nipples in addition to redness and scaling. Nipple retraction and nipple discharge are also common symptoms in breast cancer patients. A change in the size and appearance of the breasts may also be noted in breast cancer patients.
Diagnostic studies
Diagnosis of possible cases of breast cancer involves several diagnostic studies. The first study which is carried out by the physician is physical breast examination. The physician should examine the breasts and the lymph nodes in the collarbone and armpits to feel for abnormalities. A mammogram should also be conducted to detect abnormalities in the breast. A breast ultrasound may also be orders to generate images of structures deep in the breast (Henry, et al. 2011).
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