SCREENING QUESTIONS Flashcards
GCA/TA
- Does chewing gum make your headache worse?
- Does your jaw ever feel tight or tired after eating or talking? (jaw claudication)
- Have you ever been diagnosed with PMR?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with a connective tissue, autoimmune or rheumatic disease?
- Do you have a fever?
- Do you have any pain around your temples?
DVT
- Wells criteria
- Do you have a medical history of illnesses such as peripheral vascular disease?
- Have you recently had any long-distance travel?
- Do you have any cardiac history?
- Any cramping in your lower extremity?
- Have you increased your activity levels recently?
- Have you recently had any sort of surgery?
- Have you recently had an injury where your lower extremity had to be immobilised?
- Are you on any form of hormonal contraception? Particularly the combined pill? (females only)
PULMONARY EMBOLISM
- Have you ever experienced sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or light headedness?
- Do you have swelling or pain in one leg, especially if you have had recent surgery, long periods of immobility, or a history of blood clots?
- Do you feel dizzy or faint with shortness of breath?
AAA
- Are you male?
- Are you over 60?
- Do you have any feelings of a pulsating mass in your abdomen?
- Do you have any mid to lower back pain?
- Do you have a history of any cardiac issues?
- Do you have a family history of AAA?
CERVICAL INSTABILITY
- Do you have any neck pain?
- Are you hypermobile?
- Do you ever feel like you have to hold up your head?
- Have you experienced any nausea, dizziness or vomiting recently?
- Are you reluctant to move your head?
- 5D, 3N, 1A
- Do you have a spongy end feel in your neck?
CANCER
- Have you been more tired recently?
- Have you had any unexplained weight loss of over 10kg in 3 months?
- Have you had any unexplained bleeding or bruising?
- Do you experience night sweats?
- Do you experience any pain that wakes you up during the night?
- Do you have any unexplained aches or pains that aren’t going away or getting worse?
- Do you have an unusual lump or swelling anywhere in your body?
- Do you have any skin changes or a sore that won’t heal?
- Do you have any band like pain in your thoracic spine?
o Most common areas for neoplasm (in order)
o Breast
o Thyroid
o Prostate
o Lung
o Kidney
o GU/GI
MENINGITIS
- Do you have a high temperature over 37.5C?
- Have you been sick recently?
- Have you had a bad headache recently?
- Do you have a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it?
- Do you have a stiff neck?
- Are bright lights bothering you?
- Have you been feeling drowsy?
- Have you experienced any seizures or fits?
FRACTURE
- Have you had a recent trauma?
- Have you ever broken a bone before?
- Is there swelling in the affected area?
- Is there any bruising in the affected area?
- Are you unable to weight bear?
- Does the area look deformed or out of place?
- Are you able to move the affected area?
CAUDA EQUINA
- Have you had an increased frequency of going to the toilet?
- Have you had an increased urgency to go to the toilet?
- Have you had a change in your bowel movements?
- Have you experienced any numbness or changes in sensation when you wipe after going to the toilet?
- Have you had any recent lower back pain?
- Do you have any leg pain?
- Have you experienced any erectile dysfunction?
HYPERTHYROIDISM
- Have you been losing weight without trying?
- Do you have a fast and/or irregular heartbeat?
- Do you experience any heart palpitations
- Are you more hungry than normal?
- Have you experienced any nervousness, anxiety or irritability recently?
- Have you noticed you have a tremor (esp in hands and fingers)
- Are you more sweaty than normal?
- Have you had any changes in your menstrual cycle?
- Are you more sensitive to heat?
- Are you more tired than normal?
- Do you have any muscle weakness?
- Have you had any trouble sleeping recently?
- Do you have warm, moist or thinning skin?
- Do you have fine or brittle hair?
HYPOTHYROIDISM
- Have you been more tired recently?
- Are you sensitive to the cold?
- Have you experienced constipation recently?
- Do you have dry skin?
- Have you experienced any weight gain recently?
- Do you have a puffy face?
- Do you have a hoarse voice?
- Do you have any muscle weakness, aches, tenderness or stiffness?
- Do you have thinning hair?
- Do you have any feelings of depression?
- Do you have any memory problems?
- Do you have a slow heart rate?
PCOS
- Do you have irregular periods?
- Have you ever had any difficulty in getting pregnant?
- Do you have any excessive hair growth? (esp on face, chest, back or buttocks)
- Have you experienced any weight gain?
- Do you have any thinning hair or hair loss on your head?
- Do you notice that you have oily skin or acne?
GALLBLADDER
- Gallbladder pain is typically in the right upper quadrant but can radiate to the back or right shoulder
- Is the pain sharp, dull, cramping, or burning? (Gallbladder pain is often sharp and colicky.)
- Pain come in waves or is it constant? (Gallbladder pain may come in episodes, especially after eating.)
- Pain worsens after eating, especially fatty or greasy foods?
- Any recent episodes of fever or chills? (Could indicate cholecystitis or infection.)
- Have you noticed yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice)? (May suggest bile duct obstruction or gallstones in the bile duct.)
- Any recent unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite?
- Experienced bloating, burping, or acid reflux symptoms?
- Pain worse after a heavy meal or after lying down?
- Pain worsening when pressing under your right ribcage? (Murphy’s sign – pain upon deep inspiration while pressing on the gallbladder area suggests cholecystitis.)
- Hx of gallstones?
- Rapid weight loss or recent pregnancy? (Both can increase gallstone risk.)
- FHx?
LIVER
- Fatigue, weakness, or unexplained weight loss?
- Loss of appetite or feel full quickly after eating?
- Nausea or vomiting, especially after eating fatty foods?
- Pain or discomfort in your upper right abdomen, under your ribs?
- Pain radiate to your back or right shoulder?
- Is the pain dull, aching, or sharp?
- Have you had persistent bloating, indigestion, or excessive burping?
- Frequent diarrhoea, greasy stools, or pale-coloured stools? (Could suggest fat malabsorption due to bile flow issues.)
- Have you had dark-coloured urine? (Possible bile buildup from liver dysfunction.)
- Have you noticed yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes? (Jaundice can indicate liver disease.)
- Do you have persistent itching, especially without a rash? (Cholestasis-related bile buildup can cause this.)
- Have you developed easy bruising or bleeding? (Liver dysfunction affects clotting factors.)
- Swelling in your legs or abdomen? (Fluid retention from liver dysfunction.)
- Drink alcohol regularly? If so, how much and how often?
- Take medications that could affect the liver (e.g., acetaminophen (paracetamol), statins, steroids)?
KIDNEY
- LBP, pain in sides (just below the ribcage), or abdomen? (Costovertebral angle tenderness is a sign of kidney inflammation or infection.)
- Is the pain dull, sharp, cramping, or radiating? (Kidney stones cause sharp, colicky pain, whereas infections cause dull, persistent pain.)
- Pain worse with movement or stay constant?
- Changes in your urine colour (dark, red, or foamy)?
- Burning or pain when urinating? (Dysuria suggests infection or kidney stones.)
- Do you urinate more frequently than usual, especially at night? (Nocturia is common in kidney disease.)
- Do you feel urgency but pass only small amounts of urine? (Could suggest infection or bladder issues.)
- Have you had trouble fully emptying your bladder?
- Do you notice a foul odour in your urine?
- Do you have swelling in your legs, ankles, or around your eyes? (Kidney disease can cause fluid retention.)
- Have you gained unexplained weight due to swelling?
- Do you feel unusually tired or weak? (Kidney dysfunction can cause fatigue due to anaemia or toxin buildup.)
- Do you experience persistent itching without a rash? (Kidney disease can cause buildup of waste products in the blood.)
- Do you have a history of kidney stones, UTI, or kidney disease?
- Do you have high blood pressure or diabetes? (Both are major risk factors for kidney disease.)
- Do you take NSAIDs, antibiotics, or other medications that could affect kidney function?
- Have you had recent dehydration, excessive sweating, or low fluid intake?
STOMACH
- Where exactly is your pain located? (Stomach pain is often in the upper abdomen, but it can radiate.)
- Is the pain burning, stabbing, cramping, or dull? (Burning pain suggests acid-related issues like ulcers or reflux.)
- Does the pain worsen after eating or on an empty stomach? (Ulcers worsen on an empty stomach; gallbladder issues worsen after eating fatty foods.)
- Does the pain improve with eating or antacids? (Suggests gastritis or ulcers.)
- Do you have nausea or vomiting? If yes, is there blood in the vomit (red or coffee-ground-like)? (Could suggest a bleeding ulcer.)
- Do you experience acid reflux, heartburn, or a sour taste in your mouth?
- Have you had any difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food getting stuck?
- Do you have frequent belching or excessive gas?
- Have you noticed changes in your stool (black, tarry, pale, or blood-streaked)? (Black stools can indicate an upper GI bleed.)
- Do you have diarrhoea or constipation? (Chronic diarrhoea can suggest infections, IBS, or malabsorption issues.)
- Have you had unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite?
- Have you had a fever along with stomach pain? (Could indicate infection, gastritis, or ulcers.)
- Do you feel weak, dizzy, or lightheaded? (Could suggest anaemia from internal bleeding.)
- Have you had jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)? (Could indicate liver or bile duct issues.)
- Do you take NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) frequently? (Increases risk of gastritis or ulcers.)
- Do you consume alcohol or smoke? (Both increase the risk of gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer.)
- Have you experienced stress or anxiety that might trigger stomach issues? (Stress can worsen IBS and acid reflux.)
PANCREAS
- Where is your pain located? (Pancreatic pain is often in the upper abdomen, midline, or left side, and can radiate to the back.)
- Is the pain dull, sharp, or burning? (Pancreatic pain is usually deep and boring.)
- Does the pain get worse after eating, especially fatty foods?
- Does the pain improve when leaning forward and worsen when lying flat? (Classic sign of pancreatitis.)
- Is the pain constant, or does it come in episodes?
- Have you had nausea or vomiting?
- Do you experience bloating or excessive gas?
- Have you noticed greasy, pale, or foul-smelling stools that float? (Steatorrhea, suggests pancreatic enzyme deficiency.)
- Do you feel full quickly after eating?
- Have you had unexplained weight loss or a reduction in your appetite?
- Do you have increased thirst, frequent urination, or symptoms of high blood sugar? (The pancreas produces insulin, and diabetes can develop with pancreatic disease.)
- Have you noticed yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice)?
- Have you had dark urine or pale-coloured stools? (Suggests biliary obstruction, possibly from pancreatic or bile duct issues.)
- Have you had a fever, chills, or signs of infection? (Pancreatitis or pancreatic abscess.)
- Do you have severe, persistent back pain?
- Have you had any recent trauma to your abdomen?
- Do you have a history of pancreatitis, gallstones, or liver disease?
- Do you consume alcohol frequently or have a history of heavy drinking? (Major risk factor for pancreatitis.)
- Do you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or cystic fibrosis?
PROSTATE
- Do you have difficulty starting urination?
- Do you have a weak or interrupted urine stream?
- Do you feel like your bladder isn’t fully emptying after urination?
- Do you urinate more frequently than usual, especially at night (nocturia)?
- Do you have an urgent need to urinate but sometimes can’t make it in time?
- Have you experienced dribbling at the end of urination?
- Do you have burning or pain when urinating? (Could indicate infection or prostatitis.)
- Do you have pain or discomfort in the lower back, pelvis, perineum (area between the scrotum and anus), or rectum?
- Do you experience pain during or after ejaculation? (Could indicate prostatitis.)
- Have you noticed a decrease in libido?
- Do you have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection?
- Have you noticed blood in your urine or semen?
- Does your urine appear cloudy or have an unusual smell? (May suggest infection.)
- Do you have a family history of prostate cancer?
- Are you over 50 years old? (Higher risk for prostate issues.)
APPENDIX
- Where did your pain start, and has it moved? (Appendicitis often starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right abdomen.)
- Is the pain sharp, cramping, or dull? (Appendicitis pain is usually sharp and worsens over time.)
- Does your pain get worse with movement, coughing, or sneezing?
- Does pressing on your lower right abdomen increase the pain? (Rebound tenderness is a key sign.)
- Do you feel pain in other areas, like your back or pelvis?
- Have you experienced nausea or vomiting?
- Have you lost your appetite recently?
- Have you had diarrhoea or constipation?
- Have you noticed bloating or an inability to pass gas?
- Have a fever?
- Do you feel unusually fatigued or weak?
Red Flags for Complications (Ruptured Appendix) - Has your pain suddenly worsened, then temporarily felt better? (Could indicate a ruptured appendix.)
- Are you experiencing severe chills or sweating?
- Do you have a swollen or hard abdomen?
SPLEEN
- Do you have pain or discomfort in your upper left abdomen?
- Does the pain radiate to your left shoulder? (Classic sign of splenic issues.)
- Is the pain dull, sharp, or throbbing?
- Does the pain worsen after eating a large meal? (An enlarged spleen can press on the stomach.)
- Do you feel full quickly after eating, even with small meals? (Due to spleen pressing on the stomach.)
- Have you had unexplained nausea or vomiting?
- Do you get frequent infections, such as colds or bacterial illnesses? (Spleen helps fight infections.)
- Have you had unexplained fevers or night sweats?
- Do you feel unusually tired or weak? (Could indicate anaemia from spleen dysfunction.)
- Do you bruise easily or have unexplained bleeding (nosebleeds, gum bleeding)? (The spleen filters platelets, affecting clotting.)
- Have you noticed small red or purple spots on your skin (petechiae)?
- Have you noticed swelling or a lump in your upper left abdomen?
- Have you had sudden, severe left-sided pain with dizziness or fainting? (**Possible splenic rupture—seek emergency care.)
- Have you had unexplained weight loss?
- Do you have a history of liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis)? (Liver conditions can affect the spleen.)
- Have you had a recent abdominal injury or trauma? (Can cause spleen rupture.)
SMALL INTESTINE
- Do you have pain in your mid-abdomen (around the belly button)?
- Does the pain get worse after eating or fasting?
- Have you had episodes of severe cramping with bloating? (Possible obstruction or IBS)
- Do you feel relief after passing gas or having a bowel movement?
- Do your stools appear greasy, pale, or foul-smelling? (Signs of fat malabsorption, possibly from celiac disease or pancreatic insufficiency)
- Do you experience bloating or excessive gas? (Common in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, SIBO)
- Have you experienced unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased eating?
- Do you have fatigue or weakness? (May suggest iron or vitamin deficiencies)
- Have you noticed hair thinning or brittle nails? (Potential nutrient deficiencies)
- Do you experience muscle cramps or tingling in your hands/feet? (Could be a sign of low calcium or magnesium absorption issues)
- Have you noticed blood in your stool (red or black/tarry)? (May indicate Crohn’s disease, ulcers, or bleeding lesions)
- Do you have mucus in your stool? (Possible sign of infection or inflammation)
- Do you alternate between constipation and diarrhoea? (May suggest IBS or small bowel dysmotility)
- Have you had a recent infection or food poisoning that led to ongoing digestive issues?
- Have you had frequent or long-term use of antibiotics? (May increase risk of SIBO)
Red Flags - Do you have severe abdominal pain with vomiting and inability to pass gas or stool? (Possible small bowel obstruction)
- Have you had sudden, severe weight loss with persistent diarrhoea? (May indicate Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or malignancy)
- Do you have a high fever along with abdominal pain and diarrhoea? (Could suggest an infection or inflammatory condition)
COLON
- Do you have ongoing abdominal pain or cramping?
- Is the pain localized or spread across your abdomen?
- Does the pain get worse after eating or during bowel movements?
- Have you noticed any bloating or a feeling of fullness?
- Have you experienced any tenderness in the lower abdomen or around your belly button?
- Do you notice any blood in your stool (bright red or black/tarry)? (Black or tarry stools can indicate bleeding from higher up in the colon or upper GI tract, while bright red blood is more likely from haemorrhoids or lower colon/rectal bleeding.)
- Do you notice any changes in the shape of your stool (e.g., narrower or pencil-thin)? (Obstruction.)
- Have you experienced unexplained weight loss? (Malabsorption.)
- Are you over 50 years old? (Recommended screening age for colon cancer via colonoscopy is 50, or earlier if there’s a family history.)
- Do you have joint pain or skin rashes along with digestive symptoms? (Could indicate IBD like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.)
- Do you have a persistent urge to have a bowel movement, even after you’ve gone? (May suggest rectal issues or cancer.)
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
- Are your periods regular, or do they come at irregular intervals?
- Do you experience severe cramping or pain during your period?
- Do you experience pelvic pain or pressure? If so, is the pain constant or does it occur intermittently?
- Does the pain worsen during intercourse or with bowel movements?
- Do you have pain in your lower abdomen or lower back that’s not related to your menstrual cycle?
- Have you ever experienced pain during or after sex (dyspareunia)?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis?
- Do you have a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or uterine cancer? FHx of fibroids or endo?
- Are you or have you ever been pregnant, and what were your outcomes?
- Have you had a history of chronic pelvic infections or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
MENOPAUSE
- Are you approaching menopause or have you gone through menopause?
- Have you noticed changes in your periods, hot flashes, or vaginal dryness during perimenopause?
- Have you had any postmenopausal bleeding?
ANAEMIA
- Do you often feel tired or fatigued?
- Have you experienced weakness or a lack of energy?
- Do you feel lightheaded or dizzy, especially when standing up?
- Have you noticed pale skin, lips, or nail beds?
- Do you experience shortness of breath, even with mild activity?
- Do you feel cold or have cold hands and feet?
- Have you had difficulty concentrating or experiencing “brain fog”?
- Do you have frequent headaches?
- Do you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet?
- Do you consume enough iron-rich foods (e.g., red meat, leafy greens, beans)?
- Do you take any iron or vitamin supplements?
- Have you noticed dark stools or blood in your stool?
- Do you have a history of stomach ulcers, gastritis, or gastrointestinal bleeding?
- Have you experienced heavy menstrual bleeding?
- Have you been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anaemia, B12 deficiency, or folate deficiency before?
- Do you have a history of chronic diseases (e.g., kidney disease, inflammatory disorders, cancer)?
CVS
- Do you experience any chest pain, pressure, or tightness? If so, is the pain sharp, dull, burning, or squeezing? And does it radiate to your arm, jaw, back, or stomach?
- Does the chest pain occur after physical activity, stress, or eating? (Angina.)
- Do you experience pain in your chest when you are at rest or sleeping?
- Is your chest pain associated with shortness of breath or dizziness?
- Do you experience shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying flat?
- Do you wake up at night feeling short of breath (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea)?
- Do you feel unusually tired or weak, even after getting adequate sleep?
- Do you ever feel your heart racing, pounding, or fluttering in your chest?
- Have you experienced dizziness, light headedness, or fainting spells?
- Do you ever feel like your heart skips a beat or has irregular beats?
- Do you notice swelling in your ankles, legs, or abdomen? If so, is the swelling worse in the evening or after standing for long periods?
- Do you experience headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision, which could be signs of high blood pressure?
- Do you have cold hands or feet or experience numbness or tingling in your extremities?
- Does anyone in your family (parents, siblings, grandparents) have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, or stroke?
STROKE/TIA
- Have you ever had sudden numbness, weakness, or difficulty speaking?
- Have you experienced sudden blurred vision or loss of vision in one eye?
- Do you have difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of coordination?
RESP
- Do you experience shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or at rest?
- Have you noticed any difficulty breathing or wheezing when you breathe in or out?
- Do you experience a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks?
- Have you noticed any change in the pattern of your cough (more frequent, severe, or persistent)?
- Do you feel out of breath when doing things you used to do easily (e.g., climbing stairs, walking, carrying groceries)?
- Do you have any pain or discomfort when breathing, particularly with deep breaths?
- Do you have a persistent cough that produces mucus (phlegm)? If so, what colour is it?
- Do you often cough up blood or have blood-streaked mucus? (This could be a sign of lung infection or cancer.)
- Do you experience chest pain or tightness, particularly when you breathe deeply, cough, or exercise?
- Does the pain radiate to your back, shoulder, or arms?
- Do you feel unusually tired or fatigued after minimal physical exertion?
- Have you had difficulty performing physical activities like walking, running, or climbing stairs due to breathing problems?
- Do you currently smoke or have you ever smoked? If so, how many cigarettes per day, and for how many years did you smoke?
- Do you experience loud snoring, choking, or gasping for air while sleeping?
- Do you feel excessively tired or drowsy during the day, despite getting a full night’s sleep? (This could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, which can worsen lung function.)
HYPERGLYCEMIA
High blood sugar
- Have you experienced increased thirst (polydipsia)?
- Do you find yourself urinating more frequently than usual (polyuria)?
- Have you noticed increased hunger (polyphagia), even after eating?
- Do you feel more tired or fatigued than usual?
- Have you had blurred vision or other changes in your eyesight?
- Have you noticed unexplained weight loss despite eating normally?
- Have you noticed unexplained weight gain, especially around the abdominal area?
- Do you have frequent skin infections or slow-healing wounds?
- Have you experienced dry, itchy skin or infections in skin folds (like underarms or groin)?
- Do you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
- Have you experienced numbness or tingling in your hands or feet (a sign of neuropathy)?
HYPOGLYCEMIA
Low blood sugar
- Have you ever felt shaky, nervous, or anxious?
- Do you experience sweating or feeling cold and clammy without any obvious cause?
- Have you ever felt dizzy, lightheaded, or faint?
- Do you often feel weak or tired without reason?
- Have you had difficulty concentrating or felt mentally foggy?
- Do you ever experience a rapid heartbeat or palpitations?
- Do you sometimes feel irritable, moody, or unusually aggressive?
- Do you feel unusually hungry or crave sugar or carbohydrates?
- Are you taking beta-blockers (for blood pressure or heart conditions), which may mask hypoglycaemic symptoms?
- Do you have any history of liver disease or kidney disease that may affect your blood sugar regulation?