Danger Elimination Questions

Question 1

What are the danger elimination questions and timescale for referral for dyspepsia?

Answer 1

Blood in vomit
Pain radiating to arms
Unintentional weight loss
1 week

Question 2

What are the danger elimination questions and timescale for referral for vomiting ?

Answer 2

Duration of more than 48 hours in adults
Refer if child is under 2 years old
Blood in the vomit

48H adults

Question 3

What are the danger elimination questions and timescale for referral for constipation?

Answer 3

Change in bowel habit of 2W or longer 
Blood in the stools 
Abdominal pain and vomiting 
1 week OTC treatment 
2 weeks dietary advice

Question 4

What are the danger elimination questions and timescale for referral for diarrhoea?

Answer 4

Duration: 
> 1 day <1 yr; 
>2 days <3 years/old; 
>3 days adults 
Travel abroad and blood or mucus in poo
1 day in children 2 in adults

Question 5

What are the danger elimination questions and timescale for referral for colds and flu?

Answer 5

Persistent high temperature
Breathing difficulties
10-14 days

Question 6

What are the danger elimination questions and timescale for referral for sore throat?

Answer 6

Unable to swallow
White exudate on tonsils
Persistent high temperature
1 week

Question 7

What are the danger elimination questions and timescale for referral for coughs?

Answer 7

Long duration(2-3w)
Difficulty breathing
Coloured sputum 
Persistent nocturnal cough -children 
2 weeks

Question 8

What are the danger elimination questions and timescale for referral for headache?

Answer 8

Severe and >4 hours duration
Nausea and vomiting
Neck stiffness
1 day

Question 9

What are the danger elimination questions and timescale for referral for backache?

Answer 9

Medication failure
Severe back pain
Middle/upper back pain
5 days

Question 10

What are the danger elimination questions and timescale for referral for contact dermatitis?

Answer 10

Signs of infection
Brokenskin
1 week

Question 11

What are the danger elimination questions and timescale for referral for nappy rash?

Answer 11

OTC treatment failure
Broken skin
Infection signs
1 week

Question 12

What are the danger elimination questions for conjunctivitis?

Answer 12

Pain
Recent eye surgery
Visual disturbance
5 days

Question 13

What are the danger elimination questions and timescale for referral for teething?

Answer 13

Persistent high temperature:
38 <3 months old
39 <6 months old
40 in older child