5.1 Making Inferences (Reading)
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the role of inferences in enhancing professional growth as CMAs.
- Use inference skills to analyze patient histories.
- Infer meanings of unfamiliar medical jargon using context clues.
- Predict possible outcomes and make informed decisions in healthcare scenarios.
- Apply inference skills to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.
- Define inference and explain its importance in healthcare.
Part 1: Warm-Up Discussion
Exploring the Role of Inferences
Discuss the following questions in pairs or small groups:
- Why is making inferences important for CMAs?
- How can making informed decisions based on patient information improve patient care?
- Write down one idea shared by your partner or group:
As a class, review the objectives of the lesson and discuss how mastering inference skills can lead to better patient interactions and improved clinical outcomes.
Part 2: Group Reading – Analyzing Patient Histories
Patient History Analysis
In your assigned group, read the sample patient history, analyze it using the worksheet below..
Sample Patient History: Mr. James Carter
Patient Name: James Carter
Age: 62
Medical History: Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure
Current Medications: Metformin, Lisinopril
Recent Symptoms: Fatigue, blurry vision, increased thirst
Lifestyle: Eats fast food 4–5 times a week, no regular exercise
Patient History Worksheet:
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | |
| Medical History | |
| Relevant Lifestyle Factors |
Answer the following inference-based questions:
- What conclusions can you draw about the patient’s potential needs for education or support?
Your Answer: ____________________________________________ - How might the patient’s history influence their treatment plan?
Your Answer: ____________________________________________ - What proactive steps can a CMA take based on the information provided?
Your Answer: ____________________________________________
After 15 minutes, prepare to share your group’s findings and conclusions with the class.
Part 3: Inferring Meaning from Unfamiliar Medical Jargon
Decoding Medical Jargon
Read the 4 sentences or phrases below that include unfamiliar medical jargon. Use context clues to infer the meanings of the terms.
- Her dyspnea worsens when climbing stairs, especially without her inhaler.
- After the surgery, the wound site showed signs of erythema, indicating possible infection.
- The tachycardia episode required immediate attention due to the patient’s racing heartbeat.
- The provider noted edema in both ankles, especially at the end of the day.
| Sentence or Phrase | Inferred Meaning | Definition (if known) |
|---|---|---|
Share your inferred meanings with the class. Discuss how understanding medical terminology helps CMAs communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams.
Part 4: Predicting Outcomes in Medical Scenarios
Medical Case Study Analysis
In your assigned group, read the medical case study you are assigned. Use the worksheet below to guide your analysis.
Case Study 1: Diabetes Management and Medication Compliance
- Patient Information:
- Name: John Smith
- Age: 52
- Medical History:
- Type 2 Diabetes diagnosed 10 years ago, hypertension, obesity (BMI: 32).
- Current Symptoms:
- Fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst, blurred vision.
- Lifestyle Factors:
- Sedentary lifestyle, inconsistent medication adherence, high intake of sugary beverages.
- Scenario:
- John visits the clinic for a routine check-up. His blood glucose levels are significantly elevated (fasting blood glucose: 210 mg/dL). He admits to missing doses of his prescribed metformin and consuming sugary snacks daily. He also reports feeling tired and having difficulty concentrating at work.
Case Study 2: Pediatric Asthma Exacerbation
- Patient Information:
- Name: Emily Johnson
- Age: 8
- Medical History:
- Diagnosed with asthma at age 4, history of seasonal allergies.
- Current Symptoms:
- Wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing (especially at night), chest tightness.
- Lifestyle Factors:
- Lives in a home with a smoker, exposure to pet dander (family has two cats).
- Scenario:
- Emily’s mother brings her to the clinic after noticing worsening asthma symptoms over the past week. Emily has been using her rescue inhaler more frequently but reports that it’s not providing much relief. Her peak flow readings are consistently below her personal best.
Case Study 3: Chest Pain in an Older Adult
- Patient Information:
- Name: Mary Thompson
- Age: 68
- Medical History:
- History of high cholesterol, mild coronary artery disease, and smoking (quit 5 years ago).
- Current Symptoms:
- Intermittent chest pain (described as pressure), shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness. Symptoms worsen with physical activity and improve with rest.
- Lifestyle Factors:
- Moderate physical activity, follows a low-fat diet, but occasionally skips prescribed statin medication.
- Scenario:
- Mary arrives at the clinic complaining of chest pain that started two days ago. She describes the pain as a 6/10 in intensity and notes that it radiates to her left arm. She denies any recent injuries or illnesses.
Worksheet for analysis
| Symptoms Presented | Potential Diagnoses | Immediate Actions for CMAs |
|---|---|---|
Prepare to present your group’s analysis to the class, including:
- The symptoms.
- Potential diagnoses.
- Proposed actions as CMAs.
Part 5: Recap and Reflection
Activity: Reflection on Inference Skills
Reflect on what you learned in today’s lesson. Answer the following questions:
- What is one new skill you learned about making inferences in healthcare?
- How will you apply inference skills in your future role as a CMA?
- Share your reflection with the class or in small groups.
