When asked for history/symptoms we can…
- Use what we know
- Consider signs that can be asked for in history
- ie haematuria is a sign of UTI but can also be a symptom
- Consider the pathophysiology and then run through a systems review
- General: Fatigue, weight loss/gain, fevers, chills, sweats.
- Skin: Rashes, lumps, sores, itching, changes in color, changes in hair or nails.
- Head: Headaches, head injury, dizziness.
- Eyes: Vision changes, pain, redness, discharge, double vision.
- Ears: Hearing loss, ringing, discharge, pain.
- Nose: Discharge, congestion, epistaxis, sinus pain.
- Mouth/Throat: Tooth pain, gum problems, sore throat, hoarseness, mouth sores.
- Neck: Pain, lumps, swollen glands.
- Respiratory: Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing.
- Cardiovascular: Chest pain, palpitations, oedema, varicose veins, history of heart murmurs.
- Breast: Lumps, pain, nipple discharge.
- Gastrointestinal: Appetite changes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, heartburn, melena, hematochezia, jaundice.
- Genitourinary: Frequency, urgency, pain on urination, hematuria, urinary incontinence, menstrual history, sexual dysfunction.
- Musculoskeletal: Joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, stiffness, weakness.
- Neurological: Weakness, numbness, tingling, tremors, seizures, paralysis, syncope, memory problems.
- Endocrine: Heat or cold intolerance, excessive sweating, thirst, urination.
- Hematologic: Anemia, easy bruising or bleeding.
- Psychiatric: Depression, anxiety, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts.