In a relational database designed for a healthcare clinic, there are two tables: 'Patients' and 'Appointments'. The 'Patients' table has a 'PatientID' field, which uniquely identifies each patient. How should this field be properly used in the 'Appointments' table to maintain a relationship between the two tables?
Generate a random unique identifier for each appointment separately from 'PatientID'
Create a new 'AppointmentID' field in the 'Patients' table
Copy all patient information into the 'Appointments' table for each appointment
Include 'PatientID' as a 'Foreign Key' in the 'Appointments' table
In a relational database, a 'Primary Key' in one table is used to uniquely identify each record in that table. To relate this table to another, the primary key is included in the second table where it is known as a 'Foreign Key'. Therefore, the 'PatientID' from the 'Patients' table should be included in the 'Appointments' table as a 'Foreign Key' to establish a relationship between patients and their appointments. This approach correctly maintains referential integrity by ensuring that every appointment record is associated with a valid patient record. The other options do not correctly establish this connection within the context of a relational database structure.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is a Foreign Key in a relational database?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why is referential integrity important in databases?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What is the difference between a Primary Key and a Foreign Key?