Mnemonics for NZREX

MNEMONICS are learning techniques that aid information retention. Not only can it boost your confidence but can also give the examiner a feeling that you are approaching your task in a sequenced manner! (that can help you score some points for Communication Skills)

SOCRATES for pain

• Site: where exactly is the pain – is it all over, one side or both sides, front or back, over the eyes? Is there pain anywhere else in the body?
• Onset: when and how does it start? Did it start suddenly or after some incident?( trauma, spontaneous or he had the feeling that the headache is going to come in as in migraine)  Since how long does he/she have this pain. Is this the first episode or have you had earlier recurrent attacks.
• Character: how does the pain feel like (is it dull, sharp, does it come and go/ thunderclap/ worst headache in life)
• Radiation: do you feel it elsewhere?
• Alleviating factors: what makes the pain better?
• Timing: do you still have the pain? At what time of the day is it worse? AM/PM? Does it wake you up at night?
• Exacerbating factors: what makes it worse?(bending, coughing, sneezing, caffeine, alcohol, dehydration, stress, eye strain, hunger, certain foods: wine, cheese, chocolates. In females- premenstrual period)
• Severity: how bad is it (scale of 0 to 10)? Does it limit your activities? Progression – if it is the same, increased, decreased or initial increase followed by gradual decrease.

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Random tips for the exam:

* Never hurts to ask the patient – are you comfortable? Before you start the physical exam

* Look at the patients face for expressions/discomfort/pain

* Prepare your introduction in advance – be ready to make subtle changes to it

* Read the questions carefully and do only what is required, extra tasks carry NO points.

* At the end of a counseling station, if appropriate, you can refer the patient to a support group, provide pamphlets or refer them to websites with more information on their conditions. They can always come back to you or call you if they have any questions!

* Do not hurry into the task; find the right pace while you practice with your study partner. Nervousness can make you go faster (or slower) than usual!

* For the counseling stations, let the patient ask you questions rather than you blurting out all your info at once. “Do you have any questions or concerns?”, “I hope I was clear so far”.

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