PLAB 2 Clinical History-Taking & Communication

Question 1

In the Calgary-Cambridge model of consultation, which phase involves establishing why the patient has come to see you today?

Accepted Answer

Initiating the session

Answer

Gathering information

Answer

Physical examination

Answer

Explanation and planning

Question 2

A patient presents with chest pain. Using the SOCRATES framework, which aspect of the pain does 'R' represent?

Accepted Answer

Radiation — where does the pain spread to?

Answer

Rate (speed of onset)

Answer

Response to treatment

Answer

Recurrence frequency

Question 3

During a consultation, a patient suddenly becomes tearful. What is the most appropriate immediate response?

Accepted Answer

Pause, acknowledge the emotion with empathy ('I can see this is upsetting for you'), allow silence, and offer a tissue if available

Answer

Continue with the history to collect all the information needed

Answer

Refer immediately to a counsellor

Answer

Move directly to examination to save time

Question 4

What does the ICE framework stand for in patient-centred consulting?

Accepted Answer

Ideas, Concerns, and Expectations

Answer

Information, Confidence, Evidence

Answer

Initial Complaint Evaluation

Answer

Investigation, Care, and Explanation

Question 5

During a PLAB 2 station, you are taking a history from a patient who gives only 'yes' and 'no' answers. Which type of question would be most useful to elicit more information?

Accepted Answer

Open-ended questions

Answer

Closed questions

Answer

Leading questions

Answer

Multiple-choice questions

Question 6

When taking a drug history, which four categories of medication should always be specifically asked about?

Accepted Answer

Prescribed medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal/complementary remedies, and recreational drugs (including alcohol and smoking)

Answer

Antibiotics, analgesics, vitamins, and vaccines

Answer

IV drugs, oral drugs, inhaled drugs, and topical drugs

Answer

Recent medications, current medications, allergies, and family medications