Review of Systems

Question 1

what is the purpose of review of systems?

Answer 1

• check the past and present health of each system
• check for any data “omitted” in the current illness section
• determine health promotion practices

Question 2

health history components

Answer 2

• biographical data
• reason for seeking care,
• current health/history of current illness,
• past health,
• family history,
• review of systems (subjective), functional assessment
• ADLs

Question 3

what is the order of the ROS exam?

Answer 3

approximately head to toe

Question 4

what should you avoid during ROS?

Answer 4

avoid medical terms

Question 5

which 5 systems are covered in detail for ROS?

Answer 5

neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac and peripheral vascular, respiratory, abdominal

Question 6

general overall health

Answer 6

• how do you feel overall?

- any recent changes to overall health status?

Question 7

skin, hair, nails

Answer 7

eczem, moles, pruritus, bruising
health promotion: sunscreen used? amount of sun exposure? skin care for diabetic feet

• nails: change in shape, colour, brittleness?

Question 8

head

Answer 8

headaches, head injury, dizziness, health promotion: use of helmets? vision and difficulty? blurred or double vision? pain?
health promotion: eye exams? can you afford exams and glasses?

Question 9

ears

Answer 9

earaches, infections? discharge? hearing loss? hearing aids?
health promotion: protection from environmental noise?

Question 10

nose and sinuses

Answer 10

colds, discharge, hay fever, smell

Question 11

mouth and throat

Answer 11

bleeding gums, toothache, altered taste, dysphagia,

health promotion: dental care? can you afford it?

Question 12

neck

Answer 12

limitations of motion, pain, swelling

Question 13

breasts and axilla

Answer 13

surgery, lumps, nipple discharge, tenderness,

health promotion: mammograms? BSE?

Question 14

respiratory

Answer 14

history of lung disease (asthma, pneumonia, wheezing)? how much activity produces shortness of breath? any cough or sputum?
health promotion: ask about date of chest x-ray

Question 15

cardiovascular

Answer 15

any pain? palpitations? SOB? amount of exertion that trigger SOB? hyper tension, dyspnea, anemia, coronary artery disease,
health promotion: has the pt ever had an EKG o other test?

Question 16

peripheral vascular

Answer 16

coldness, numbness, tingling, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, ulcers,

health promotion: does pt’s work involve long-term sitting/standing?
- pts w/ vascular system issues should be advised to avoid crossing legs at the knees and to wear support hose

Question 17

gastrointestinal

Answer 17

ask about appetite, food intolerance, nausea, bowel movements, etc.,
health promotion: inquire about laxative use, antacids, and diet

Question 18

urinary

Answer 18

colour, incontinence, UTIs, nocturia,

health promotion: measures to avoid UTI

Question 19

genitalia/sexual

Answer 19

male: testicular pain, discharge, STI
health promotion: testicular self-examination?
female: menstrual history, STI
health promotion: pap smear

Question 20

sexual health

Answer 20

will depend on rapport w/ pt and purpose of history,

health promotion: is person in relationship? contraception? exposure to STI?

Question 21

musculoskeletal

Answer 21

ask about arthritis, gout, pain and deformity, history of back pain, muscle aches, stiffness,
health promotion: how does the pt manage activities of daily living, assess fall prevention in older adults

Question 22

neurological

Answer 22

seizures, strokes, numbness, tingling, coordination, mental health,
health promotion: ask about interpersonal relationships

Question 23

hematological

Answer 23

excessive bruising, blood transfusions, bleeding tendency

Question 24

endocrine

Answer 24

diabetes? intolerance to heat and cold? health promotion: foot care if diabetic, properly fitting shoes

Question 25

True or false: if the current illness section covered one body system in detail you do not need to repeat all the data in that section (ROS)

Answer 25

true