Closed questions

Focused questions with a short, specific answer ("Does the pain spread to your arm?"). Used to clarify details and screen for red flags once the open phase is done.

Good consultations move from open to closed. Closed questions are essential for safety-netting and risk screening, but leaning on them too early narrows the history and costs interpersonal marks.

More glossary terms

ABCDE approachA systematic method for assessing and treating an acutely unwell patient — Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure — dealing with each before moving on.
AMPLE historyA focused emergency history — Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last meal, Events — taken quickly in acute situations.
ARCPThe annual assessment that decides whether a doctor in training has met the competencies to progress to the next stage.
AVPU scaleA rapid way to grade consciousness — Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain, Unresponsive — used in initial assessment.

Put it into practice

Rehearse PLAB 2 stations with AI simulated patients and get structured feedback after every consultation.

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