Final answer:
A medical assistant should inquire about socioeconomic status, family background, health behaviors, interpersonal work conflicts, and personal aspects such as ethnicity and spirituality to get a complete picture of a patient's social history.
Step-by-step explanation:
When asking about a patient's social history, a medical assistant should inquire about a variety of factors that can influence a patient's health and well-being. These factors may include socioeconomic status and family background, health behaviors such as the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, and social determinants like work overload and interpersonal problems at work. Furthermore, details on the patient's personal life such as their role in the family, ethnicity, and spirituality are also vital as they provide a comprehensive understanding of the patient's social context. It is important to tailor the questions to be relevant to the patient's situation and the medical concerns being addressed. Also, taking into account issues of health disparities, participation in clinical trials, and cultural attitudes towards health can provide deeper insights into the patient’s social history.