Patient Investigations

Question 1

What THREE main things can one do when interviewing a patient on a ward?

Answer 1

HISTORY

EXAMINATION

INVESTIGATION

Question 2

What acronym can we use to take a Pain History and what associated symptoms should we keep a note of?

Answer 2

SOCRATES

• Bowel habit
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Bleeding

Question 3

What other Histories can we take?

Answer 3

1. PMH
2. Drug
3. Surgical
4. Gynaecological
5. Family
6. Social
7. Systems

Question 4

What can we check on Examination?

Answer 4

1. Genitalia
2. Herniae
3. Analgesia
4. Scars/Stoma
5. Tenderness
6. Distention
7. PR

Question 5

What Investigations can be performed?

Answer 5

1. ECG
2. Urine Dip
3. hCG
4. Bloods
5. Imaging

Question 6

What Blood Investigations can be performed?

Answer 6

1. Blood Gas
   - Hb
   - Glucose
   - pH/Lactate/Bases
   - Creatinine
2. FBC
3. U+E
4. LFT
5. CRP
6. Amylase/Lipase

Question 7

What imagings can be performed?

Answer 7

1. CT
   - Usually best
   - Risk of ionising radiation
2. US
   - Cheaper
   - Harmless
   - 1st Line for Biliary Pathology
   - Good for Gynaecology stuff
   - Good for Appendicitis-like pain