Which two items are suitable to include in a patient's social history?

Study for the ScribeAmerica Outpatient Exam. Master your skills with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for success!

The selection of "smoker" and "working" as components of a patient’s social history is appropriate because both items provide essential insights into the patient's lifestyle and health risk factors.

The statement that a patient smokes gives significant information regarding their exposure to tobacco, which is an important factor in assessing health risks such as respiratory diseases and cardiovascular issues. Also, knowing the patient's employment status ("working") is crucial as it can affect their overall health, access to care, and social support systems. Employment environments can contribute to stress levels, mental health, and even health insurance coverage.

While the other options contain elements that could be considered part of social history, they do not align with common clinical considerations as closely as the selected items. For instance, food preferences and pet ownership provide personal insights but may not directly influence medical decision-making as significantly as smoking and work status. Travel history and exercise habits are important but relate more to specific health behaviors rather than the broader context of a patient's social situation. Family history pertains to genetic predispositions, while residential address is more about demographics than lifestyle factors.

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