Basicmedical Key

Table 11.1). The patient should be allowed to describe the symptoms in his or her own words to begin with, and then the clinician needs to ask questions to clarify…

Table 10.1) Hormones control so many aspects of body function that the manifestations of endocrine disease are protean. Symptoms can include changes in body weight, appetite, bowel habit, hair distribution,…

Table 5.1) Cough and sputum Cough is a common presenting respiratory symptom. It occurs when deep inspiration is followed by explosive expiration. Flow rates of air in the trachea approach…

1 (see Questions box 15.1). Ask if pruritus is associated; localised pruritus is usually due to dermatological disease. Determine if pain or disturbed sensation has occurred; for example, inflammation and…

Table 8.1) Patients with anaemia may present with weakness, tiredness, dyspnoea, fatigue or postural dizziness. Anaemia due to iron deficiency is often the result of gastrointestinal blood loss, or sometimes…

Table 7.1) These may include a change in the appearance of the urine, abnormalities of micturition, suprapubic or flank pain or the systemic symptoms of renal failure. Some patients have…

Figure 13.1) The structure of the eye is shown in Figure 13.1. Many of these structures can be examined as outlined below. Figure 13.1 The structure of the eye Examination…

1,2 The most frequent causes to consider are tuberculosis, occult abscess (usually intra-abdominal), osteomyelitis, infective endocarditis, lymphoma or leukaemia, systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis and drug fever (drug…

1 and 2 apply just as much here as in any history taking.1 One should inquire about the history of the present illness, the past psychiatric and medical history, and…

1,2 Encouraging patients to discuss their major concerns without interruption enhances satisfaction and yet takes little time (on average 90 seconds).3,4 Giving premature advice or reassurance, or inappropriate use of…