It would MOST likely be necessary to ask a patient a direct question if:

A) he or she is elderly and has more than one medical complaint.
B) he or she is not giving you usable facts about himself or herself.
C) he or she is having chest pain and a heart attack must be ruled out.
D) there are numerous family members and friends present at the scene.

Answer: B) he or she is not giving you usable facts about himself or herself.