Comlex PE Time problem

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Scorcher31

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Hey guys I have the PE tomorrow and am a little freaked out. Since we have a minute less than MD's and have to do OMT sometimes are we really supposed to ask all the stuff in the first aid cases as well? I'm having a hard time remembering all the stuff they want us to ask and always forget a few in the hx.

If I try and remember the stuff from first aid I end up running low on time and coming off somewhat unpersonable. If I do it my way I don't but I dont know how much trouble ill be in for the hx.

I always get a pmh, psh, meds, allergies, fh, and social with substance use, sex, occupation. I always ask onset location duration character intenstiy progression frequency aggrevating and alleving factors on chief complaint. Ill usually ask if they have any other symptoms or problems going on, but generally don't specifically ask about something unless its obvious. In other words if they say they have a cough ill ask about sputum, color, blood, etc.

Even if I miss a fourth/fifth of the first aid hx will i still be ok for the PE? I was told most people fail on the humanities not biologics. i feel if I concentrate to much on memorizing first aid and not doing it like I actually do it in the hospital or clinic I will loose my connection with my standardized pts.
 
Hey thank I've actually watched the video a few times. I'm not really worried about what will happen on test day I'm more worried about the specifics of grading which of course nobody knows. Some people are saying you have to have all the questions in first aid cold which i honestly can't do without rushing and loosing out on the humanities portion. Some people said this is something you can really just be yourself and wing and if your nice and drape and do all the humanities things your fine. I was kind just trying to get an idea of that.
 
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I just made a template exactly like the one I saw on the video and filled it out. Asked pertinent questions regarding the CC (just like you would do on a real patient). I did fine. Had plenty of time. You can fill out the form while in the patient encounter.
 
You don't really have to do all that much. I was eiter first or second out of the room every time (usually first) and halfway through my SOAP note when the two-minute warning came. It isn't about memorizing lists and getting in tons of questions. It's about asking the right stuff you need to get a good enough idea to come up with 3 or 4 diagnoses and doing a focused exam that will help you rule in or out a coupls of things. Along the way, you need to be really nice to the patient, act like you are concerned for their welfare, and give them a good wrap-up that shows you are not a total idiot. The diagnoses really are pretty simple for the most part.
 
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