Use these scenarios to practice handling emotions during an interview. Perform one or two interviews in front of the group. Discuss the emotional content and how it was managed. After that, students should continue to interview in pairs or triads. Start out, as you always do, by opening the interview and obtaining the history of present illness. Each interview should last 5-7 minutes. This exercise is preparation for the videotaped interviews later in the week.
Scenario 1 - You are a 45 year old male/female who came to see the doctor about fatigue. Your have felt tired ever since your mother came to live with you right after your father's death. Your mother has dementia, is forgetful, wanders off, etc. The major emotion you are experiencing is sadness. You are troubled that your life may never be the same again - your mother may live for a long time (and this thought makes you feel guilty). You successfully took care of your father for two years after his stroke and found ways to manage. You have several siblings who can be called on the share the burden, but you haven't asked them yet. Fill in the rest...
Scenario 2 - You are a 17 year old female who came to see the doctor for "cramps." You always have some discomfort with your period, but these are worse. You are experiencing anxiety. You have recently become sexually active and are worried that you are pregnant. Last year you helped a girl friend deal with her pregnancy. You are on good terms with your parents and if you are pregnant you think you'll tell them. Fill in the rest...
Scenario 3 - You are a 56 year old male/female who came to see the doctor for indigestion. You have discomfort in the middle of your chest after eating and when you exercise. Your father died of a heart attack when he was 55 and you are worried that this pain may be your heart. The emotion you are experiencing is anger. You are mad because you've lived right and don't deserve to have a heart attack. Three years ago you were treated for skin cancer (melanoma) and handled it well. Fill in the rest...
Scenario 4 - You are a 60 year old male who came to see the doctor for abdominal pain. You have pain mostly after you eat and at night. The pain is not that bad, but you are sure you have colon cancer. The emotion you are experiencing is fear. You are troubled most about the potential treatments - specifically having a colostomy (you have a family member who has one and you know it would be real tough for you). On the other hand, the family member with the colostomy gets along pretty well. You got through open heart surgery a year ago without much trouble. Fill in the rest...