Begin with the involved or affected (chief complain) system

Example:   If the chief complaint is related to gastrointestinal system(GI)-  continue  with the GIT inquiry.

GIT

  • Weight- amount, duration
  • Appetite
  • Dysphagia
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Heartburn
  • Haematemesis
  • Flatulence
  • Jaundice
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fat intolerance
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhoea
  • Melena
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Stool

Respiratory system

  • Cough, sputum, hemoptysis, wheeze, dyspnea, chest pain

Cardiovascular System

  • Angina (cardiac pain), dyspnea ( rest/ exercise),
  • Palpitations, ankle swelling, claudication

Obstetric & Gynecology

  • LMP
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Pregnancies

Nervous system

  • Headache
  • Fits
  • Depression
  • Facial/limb weakness

METABOLIC/ENDOCRINE

  • Muscular pain
  • Bone & Joint pain
  • Swelling of joints
  • Limitation of movements
  • Weakness
  • Bruising/ bleeding (nutrients deficiencies)
  • Sweating (thyrotoxicosis)
  • Thirst (diabetes)
  • Pruritus (skin infection, jaundice, uremia, Hodgkin’s)
  • Alcohol
  • Weight loss- ?dieting, amount and duration