Systematic Enquiries

Question 1

What are the general systematic enquiries?

Answer 1

Fatigue/malaise 
Fever/rigors 
Weight/appetite 
Skin: rashes/bruising/bleeding 
Sleep disturbance 
Thirst 
Pruritus 
Night sweats 
Neck swelling/lumps

Question 2

What are the respiratory systematic enquiries?

Answer 2

Cough 
Sputum 
Haemoptysis 
Dyspnoea (Shortness of Breath) 
Wheeze 
Chest pain 
Symptoms of Sinusitis 
Earache 
Sore throat

Question 3

What are the cardiovascular systematic enquiries?

Answer 3

Chest pain 
Dyspnoea 
Palpitations
Ankle oedema 
Varicose veins 
Claudication

Question 4

What are the alimentary systematic enquiries?

Answer 4

Appetite/weight loss or change 
Mouth/teeth/ tongue 
Dysphagia 
Dyspepsia/heartburn
Nausea/vomiting 
Haematemesis 
Fat intolerance 
Jaundice 
Abdominal pain 
Abdominal distension 
Bowel habit changes 
Perianal symptoms, haemorrhoids, pain, itching

Question 5

What are the urinary systematic enquiries?

Answer 5

Frequency/dysuria/nocturia/polyuria/oliguria
Haematuria
Incontinence/urgency
Prostatic symptoms (males)

Question 6

What are the nervous system systematic enquiries?

Answer 6

Speech disturbance 
Cognitive impairment (use MSQ) 
Headache
Fits/faints/loss of consciousness 
Dizziness, vertigo 
Balance 
Vision – acuity, diplopia Hearing Weakness Numbness/tingling/paraesthesia

Question 7

What are the MSK systematic enquiries?

Answer 7

Any pain/stiffness in muscles/joints/back
Can you dress yourself completely
Can you go up and down stairs easily