Fatigue Flashcards
what is the broad differential for fatigue?
DEAD TIRED
Fatigue:
sensation of exhaustion after usual activities OR
insufficient energy to begin usual activities.
what is some pt terminology for fatigue?
fatigue = tired = lack of
energy = excessive sleepiness = weakness =dyspnea on exertion
= depressed = and so on. A
whats a good way to get clarification for fatigue?
“What does your [fatigue] keep you from doing?” or some
other description of impact on life.
whats a high yield question for fatigue?
Is there anything in your life that
changed around the onset of your [fatigue] that might account
for your symptoms?
-Fatigue accounts for (BLANK) of patients seeking care in
primary care.
21-33%
-An estimated cost to employers exceeding (BLANK) in lost
productivity
$136 billion
- Multiple studies indicate that (BLANK) of patients in primary care
have an organic cause for their fatigue. - Laboratory tests identify as few as (BLANK) of patients source of
fatigue.
~15%
5%
what is the stepwise approach to fatigue?
what is there are no new stressors, meds, or symptoms of bleeding?
- Ask about anxiety & depression
- Obtain a sleep history
- Perform complete ROS & PE
Obtain CBC, TSH, CMP,UA, other testing depending on risk
factors. May include HCV (see below).
what are the components of sleep history?
- What time do you go to bed?
- How long does it take to you fall asleep?
- How often do you get up during the night?
- Do you nap during the day?
- Do you drink alcohol in the evening?
- Do you feel rested when you wake in the morning?
- Do you exercise? What time of day?
social history for fatigue
-Inquire about work and life stressors as well as support
system.
- Be vigilant for signs of abuse (partner/spouse) or neglect.
- Alcohol and/or drug use/abuse
- Other social determinant of health such as poverty, food
insecurity, homelessness, etc.
special pops for fatigue
Hepatitis C (HCV) screening is recommended for men who have
sex with men, anyone with a history of injection drug use or
persons born between 1945 – 1965.
what are some endocrine ROS for fatigue?
unintentional weight change (do you wear the same size
clothes?); constipation or other changes in bowel habits,
polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, palpitations; hair or skin
changes; cold intolerance; anorexia; etc.
what are some PE for fatigue?
VS—tachycardia or bradycardia; objective weight change
from previous visits
General: temporal or muscular wasting?
Neck: palpate thyroid
Skin: assess turgor, flaking/dryness
Hair: tug test, alopecia;
Nails for brittleness/dryness
Neuro: DTR & muscle strength
what should you look for in FH with fatigue?
DM or thyroid dysfunction
anemia PMH
renal disease
anemia ROS
Pica; Blood loss (menstrual, stool, urine); heartburn or
indigestion symptoms (peptic ulcer or esophagitis?); dental
problems (painful or difficult chewing); dizziness or syncope;
weakness; unintentional weight loss,
anemia meds
supplements that interfere with iron absorption
(H2 blockers,
anemia diet
vegan or vegetarian–plant sources of heme are less
absorbable
wellness exams to do for anemia
colonoscopy (age dependent); pelvic exam