Skin, nails and hair
Chapter 3 Skin, nails and hair SYMPTOMS OF SKIN DISEASE The history should evaluate possible precipitating factors and determine whether the skin problem is localised or a manifestation of systemic…
Respiratory system
Chapter 5 Respiratory system Important for the examiner is the arrangement of the lobes of the lungs (Fig. 5.1). It will be seen that both lungs are divided into two…
The heart and cardiovascular system
Chapter 6 The heart and cardiovascular system CLINICAL HISTORY Breathlessness Patients with heart disease that causes breathlessness experience it during physical exertion (exertional dyspnoea) and sometimes when they lie flat…
The general examination
Chapter 2 The general examination The examination really begins from the moment you set eyes on the patient. Facial expression, tone of voice and body attitude may signal depression, even…
Infants and children
Chapter 12 Infants and children For convenience, we will consider five age bands: • Newborn and very young baby (0–8 weeks) • Older baby and toddler (2–24 months) • Preschool…
Bone, joint and muscle
Chapter 10 Bone, joint and muscle SYMPTOMS OF BONE, JOINT AND MUSCLE DISORDERS Bone PAIN • Deep, boring quality • May be focal (tumour, infection, fracture) • May be diffuse…
Ear, nose and throat
Chapter 4 Ear, nose and throat SYMPTOMS OF EAR DISEASES Visible symptoms Differential diagnosis: Cosmetic presentations • Bat ears • Preauricular sinus • Accessory auricles • Anotia and microtia •…
The male genitalia
Chapter 9 The male genitalia SYMPTOMS OF GENITAL TRACT DISEASE Urethral discharge A discharge of smegma from a normal prepuce is very different from a discharge caused by urethritis. In…
Female breasts and genitalia
Chapter 8 Female breasts and genitalia SYMPTOMS OF BREAST DISEASE Pain The dynamic response of the tissue to changes in hormones may cause breast pain and tenderness which fluctuate predictably…
Medical record, medical history and interviewing technique
Chapter 1 Medical record, medical history and interviewing technique CONSULTATION, MEDICAL HISTORY AND RECORD-TAKING The ability to take an accurate medical history from a patient is one of the core…
