Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

In which of the following parts of the patient interview should the medical assistant ask the patient about drug allergies?

1. Social History

2. Chief Complaint

3. Familial History

4. Past Medical History

The correct answer is: Past Medical History

Asking about drug allergies is most appropriately done during the past medical history section of the patient interview. This part of the interview focuses on the patient's previous medical experiences, including any adverse reactions to medications. Understanding a patient’s history with drug allergies is crucial, as it helps healthcare providers avoid prescribing medications that might cause harmful reactions, ensuring patient safety and effective treatment. In contrast, social history primarily addresses lifestyle factors like employment, marital status, and substance use, while chief complaint centers on the primary reason the patient is seeking medical attention. Familial history involves health conditions that may affect family members but does not specifically address the patient’s individual medication experiences and allergies. Therefore, the past medical history is the most suitable context for inquiring about drug allergies.