Which items are typically reviewed during an annual PHA?

• A. Vital signs, medical history, current medications, and laboratory screenings
• B. Immunization status, dental x-rays, patient satisfaction scores, and genetic tests
• C. Only vital signs and medications
• D. Medical history and lab results only

Answer: (A)

During an annual PHA, clinicians perform a comprehensive health check to assess readiness. The items typically reviewed are vital signs, medical history, current medications, and laboratory screenings. Vital signs provide a snapshot of current cardiovascular and metabolic status; abnormalities can signal problems needing further evaluation. Medical history informs risk factors, chronic illnesses, surgeries, and prior events that influence current health and fitness for duty. Checking current medications helps identify potential side effects, interactions, or contraindications that could affect performance or safety. Laboratory screenings offer objective measurements such as blood counts, metabolic panel, lipid profile, or glucose status to detect conditions that might not present with symptoms yet impact readiness. The other listed items, like immunization status with dental x-rays and patient satisfaction scores, or genetic tests, are not typical components of the standard annual PHA, and focusing only on a subset misses important pieces of the health snapshot.