HOW TO TACKLE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION DURING STEP 2 CS EXAM
Category : Step 2 CS Tips
In some cases, one of the assessments during the Step 2 cs exam might be a patient suffering from an alcohol-related problem. When presented with such a situation, it’s important to address the following factors.
- You need to be psychologically prepared. At one point or another, you will have to give advice (that’s what examiners expect) in a manner that won’t sound forceful or offensive to the patient. Advise them to be moderate. For instance, more than three drinks, three times a week is considered excessive.
- It’s also wise to introduce the CAGE principle while assessing the patient. This is an acronym that raises the following queries.
-Is it possible for the patient to CUT down on their drinking?
-Does their drinking ANNOY others?
-Does he or she have feelings of GUILT concerning their drinking?
-Will this be an EYE-OPENER, or will they revert back to their drinking first thing in the morning?
- Lastly, you can remind them about the effects of over-indulgence, such as high-blood, pressure, strokes, liver cirrhosis e.t.c. This will not only portray you as a concerned physician, but also show the examiners that you’ve mastered your content well.
As always, feel free to contact us anytime for assistance in preparing for your Step 2 CS examination.