MED 270 Symptomatology

Lecture: 2 Lab: 2 Clinic: 0 Credits: 3

This course covers the study of disease symptoms and the appropriate actions taken by medical assistants in a medical facility in relation to these symptoms. Emphasis is placed on interviewing skills and appropriate triage, preparing patients for procedures, and screening test results. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize how certain symptoms relate to specific diseases, recognize emergency situations, and take appropriate actions.

Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Medical Assisting Program, BIO 163 and MED 122.
Course is typically offered in Fall.
Course has transfer restrictions - 2 years

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
At the completion of the course, the students should be able to do the following:

Describe common disease symptoms encountered in medical facilities, including their potential causes, associated conditions, and clinical significance.
Utilize effective interviewing skills and triage techniques when interacting with patients, employing appropriate questions to gather relevant information and determine the urgency of medical conditions.
Prepare patients for diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures, ensuring proper patient positioning, obtaining informed consent, and providing necessary instructions for pre- and post-procedure care.
Analyze screening test results in the context of patient symptoms, considering the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of tests to assess their diagnostic significance and guide appropriate actions.
Implement appropriate emergency response protocols, such as activating the emergency medical system and providing initial life-saving interventions when presented with key signs and symptoms that indicate a medical emergency.
Evaluate the relationship between specific symptoms and underlying diseases.
Apply culturally sensitive approaches to symptom assessment and patient education, ensuring inclusive and patient-centered care across diverse cultural backgrounds.