Review of Systems Flashcards
Why do you do a review of systems?
- ROS + HHx form + PT’s follow-up questions = full picture of patient’s health
- Determines whether you should treat, refer, or consult
- Can come up with differential diagnoses and begin to eliminate them
- Want to look for red or yellow flags
What is a differential diagnosis?
When flags come up, you brainstorm all possible diagnosis then you can test them and eliminate.
A patient comes in with no red flags or yellow flags. What decision do you make?
A keep decision. I am not concerned about treating them. It is in my area of expertise, and it is an orthopedic concern.
If a patient comes in with a negative neuro examination but a few neuro signs, what decision do you make? They also have saddle anesthesia.
Those are some yellow flags, and with some yellow flags I would consult. I am slightly concerned, and I need a better opinion before testing them.
What does a yellow flag indicate?
It indicates something concerning. It warrants additional observation, testing, consult with another provider. Is the PCP aware of the condition? Is the condition worsening? If so, how quickly?
What does a red flag indicate?
An emergent or urgent situation. A serious pathology requiring referral to and/or communication with another specialist.
If a patient comes in with a hip fracture or hypermobility syndrome, what would you do?
Those are both red flags, so I would refer. I don’t feel safe and comfortable treating them. There are red flags, and it is out of my realm. I need you to go to someone else before I treat you.
How do you perform an ROS?
- Ask responses to HHx
- Recent changes to health status
- Concerns about health status
- Observation
- Probing questions
Prepare questions beforehand
Does their body language match their Dx?
What are Pt demographics, and why are they important?
Age, gender, race, marital status, education
They are important because some Dx are more common in different races. People’s experiences with health care will also have been affected by biases in the medical system and culture.
What are culture, religion, occupation, living environment, and family/social support examples of?
Social History
What are things you find in the PMHx?
Allergies, illness, surgeries, and medication
What is recreational use of alcohol an example of?
Social habits. Other examples include exercise and substance abuse/use. You can ask hard questions like recreational alcohol use, but be open and tactful.
What is another section on most health history forms?
Family medical history. Ask about parent’s heart attack like how old they were, etc.
Hypo/hypertensive emergency
A red flag.
Severe increase in BP can lead to stroke.
Too low needs to be addressed as well
Spine CA
Red flag
Spinal tumor
Symptom Ex: radiating back pain that gets worse at night