health history

Related to health history: nursing health history


a systematic account of events.
case history see case history.
health history a holistic assessment of all factors affecting a patient's health status, including information about social, cultural, familial, and economic aspects of the patient's life as well as any other component of the patient's life style that affects health and well-being. The health history is designed to assess the effects of health care deviations on the patient and the family, to evaluate teaching needs, and to serve as the basis of an individualized plan for addressing wellness.
medical history information obtained from the patient to aid in establishing a medical diagnosis and developing a treatment plan.
nursing history a written record providing data for assessing the nursing care needs of a patient.

health history

(in nursing and medicine) a collection of information obtained from the patient and from other sources concerning the patient's physical status as well as his or her psychological, social, and sexual function. The history provides a database on which a diagnosis, a plan for management of the diagnosis, treatment, care, and follow-up observation of the patient may be made. The first part of the history describes the chief complaint; the history of the present illness, including its signs and symptoms, onset and character; and any factors or behaviors that aggravate or ameliorate the symptoms. The patient's own words often serve as the best description and may be quoted. The second part of the history comprises an account of previous illnesses and health-promotion behaviors, allergies, transfusions, immunizations, screening tests, and hospitalizations. An occupational history, describing the patient's work and exposure to stress, toxins, radiation, or other occupational hazards, may be included. The effect of the current illness on the patient's work is also noted. A social history is taken in which the patient's social, cultural, environmental, and familial milieu are outlined, focusing on aspects that might have an effect on the current illness. In some instances a sexual history may be relevant. A review of systems may follow or be incorporated into the health history. Kinds of history include complete health history and interval health history. Also called functional assessment, personal and social history. See also family history, occupational history, past health, present health, review of systems, sexual history. Also called personal and social history.

health history

Health insurance A form used by underwriters to assist in evaluating groups or persons to determine whether they are acceptable risks to insure.

Patient discussion about health history

Q. I took my friend to a doctor and he questioned her about her history of alcohol. My friend who is a county level athlete is a superb runner. We were all sure that she would be selected for high level competitions. Two years back she lost one of the track events and did not make any attempt to try again. Her problem started when she lost her mother during a practice session. This has been very hard on her and has led to a trauma so much so that she has lost her confidence and has started drinking. She has never touched alcohol before in her life and has become such a wreck that I feel so sad for her. When I last met her she was in a bad condition and was drinking more heavily than usual. She did recognize me though and I sat and talk to her for a long time. I took her to a doctor and he questioned her about her history of alcohol. I do not know how long all this is going to take as she has no family members alive and is totally alone. Her dreams have perished and she feels helpless. I will help her all I can with information and whatever else I can do for her apart from the treatment she has started on.

A. I am so happy that you have a helping nature. First of all, let her treatment go on for as long as she needs it, as she needs to regain her lost strength before she makes a comeback as an athlete. It`s very difficult to be by her side all the time though she might need a friend at this desperate juncture since she has lost her dreams. You can support her by admitting her in a rehab center or any other organization that helps alcoholics. I hope she will get well soon.

More discussions about health history
References in periodicals archive ?
Genetic Alliance has created several resources for families on sharing your diagnosis, discussing family health history and when and why to seek advice from a genetic counselor.
RESOLVED, that the Indiana State Nurses Association endorse the adoption of the use of the Military Health History Pocket Guide for Clinicians by all registered nurses in their provision of care; and be it further
In order to achieve the best outcomes for children, we need to collate a good family health history (identifying any genetic vulnerabilities), alongside good social work practice in the training and selection of adopters who are emotionally robust and able to parent vulnerable children.
Virtually all Americans agree that awareness of their family health history is important, but only one in three has ever started the discussion.
It both expands the content of the health history as well as directs that information be gathered ".
Even when patients were able to provide basic details about health history, 55 per cent of doctors said they did not feel confident it was accurate.
While several factors, including family history and general health history, play major roles in the prevention of diseases such as diabetes and cancer, dieting can also be an excellent way to prevent major illnesses before medical intervention is necessary.
More than 95% of the nation's poor people have done so, resulting in an unprecedented pool of data ranging from gender to mental health history.
Putting together a family health history and knowing you are at risk for certain diseases may, in fact, help you ward off medical problems by inspiring you to take charge of your health.
ANSWER: You'll need to be evaluated on an individual basis so that your health care provider can obtain more information about your eating habits, any medications you may be taking, your health history, and so forth.
How is it possible for an athlete with a normal health history, an apparently normal physical exam report, and a history of fitness and athletic achievement die during an event?

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