Discuss SCDM CCDM Exam Topic 3 Question 17

A relational database has tables for PATIENT_DEMOGRAPHY and VITAL_SIGNS data collected during a visit. The primary key for the VITAL_SIGNS table is a composite key that includes the unique patient identifier, visit number, and vital signs parameter name. The two tables are joined on the patient identifier. What will be the number of records in the result set?

AOne record per patient

BOne record per visit

COne record per patient per visit per vital sign parameter

DOne record per patient per visit

Suggested Answer: C

In a relational database structure, each record in a table is uniquely identified by a primary key. In this case, the VITAL_SIGNS table uses a composite primary key consisting of:

Patient Identifier,

Visit Number, and

Vital Signs Parameter Name.

This means each record represents a unique measurement of a specific parameter (e.g., blood pressure, pulse) for a patient at a specific visit.

When joining PATIENT_DEMOGRAPHY and VITAL_SIGNS tables on the patient identifier, the result set will include one record for every combination of patient, visit, and parameter --- i.e., one record per patient per visit per vital sign parameter.

Therefore, option C correctly describes the expected number of records.

Reference (CCDM-Verified Sources):

SCDM GCDMP, Chapter: Database Design and Build, Section 5.2 -- Primary and Foreign Key Relationships in Relational Models

CDISC SDTM Implementation Guide, Section 5.3 -- Observation-Level Data Structures

ICH E6(R2) GCP, Section 5.5.3 -- Data Organization and Integration Principles

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18 comments · newest first

Eleonora 17 days ago

I see your point, C is more detailed.

Anglea 23 days ago

Yes, C gives a complete picture of the visit.

Dante 28 days ago

C is the right choice for accuracy.

Eleonora 1 month ago

True, but I still feel D is easier to understand.

Anglea 1 month ago

Exactly, C captures everything needed.

Dante 1 month ago

D doesn't cover all vital signs though.

Eleonora 2 months ago

But what about D? One record per visit seems simpler.

Anglea 2 months ago

I agree, C makes sense. More details per visit.

Dante 2 months ago

I think it's C. Each vital sign counts.

Evangelina 2 months ago

Just to clarify, each visit can have multiple vital signs recorded.

Gail 2 months ago

I'm not so sure about this. Can we really have multiple records for one visit?

Alva 2 months ago

Wait, why would it be C? Isn't it just one record per visit?

Olive 3 months ago

Totally agree, C makes the most sense here.

Lindsey 3 months ago

C is correct! Each patient can have multiple vital signs per visit.

Desmond 3 months ago

I remember we discussed how joins work, and since we're joining on the patient identifier, it seems like we might end up with multiple records per visit, so I’m leaning towards C.

Lynelle 3 months ago

I feel like I practiced a similar question, and it was about visits, so could it be D? But then again, the vital signs part confuses me.

Harrison 3 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I remember something about composite keys meaning more detailed records, so maybe it's C too?

Eleni 4 months ago

I think the answer might be C because the composite key suggests we will have multiple records for each vital sign parameter.

SCDM CCDM Exam - Topic 3 Question 17 Discussion