History : Fever, cough and shortness of breath : Quick revision

When patient presents with Fever, cough or shortness of breath 

what are the questions in Clinical history you should ask?

A Quick revision 

3.FEVER:

Do you have the fever?

If the answer is “yes”, then continue as follows:

1.  When did it start?

2.  Was it a low-grade or high-grade fever?

3.  Is it continuous or does it comes and goes?

4.  Does it ever touch the baseline?

5.  Is it accompanied by chills?

6.  Do you sweat a lot?

Questions in relation to fever include, whether it is high grade or low grade? Any chills? Questions about discharge from ear, nose, or throat, runny nose, runny eyes, cough, abdominal pain, h/o travel or sick contacts and rash.

4.COUGH:

1.  Do you have  cough?

2.  Do you bring up sputum? (If sputum comes up then continue as follows)

3.  What is the color?

4.  What is the amount? Is it spoonful………½ a cup or a cupful?

5.  Did you notice any blood in it?

6.  Was it foul smelling?

In all cases of a chronic cough ask about HIV status, TB and travel.

4.SHORTNESS OF BREATH:

1.  Have you ever had any problem with your breathing?

2.  Have you been wheezing?

3.  How far do you walk before you get short of breath?

4.  Have you had an attack of breathlessness in the night? (PND)

5.  Do you have any trouble in sleeping due to this shortness of breath? (Orthopnea)

This account does not replace detailed clinical history.It is for revision only
Best!!!!!