(e)
Black, tarry stools.
(f)
Pale or clay colored stools.
(g) Foul smelling stools.
(h) Pain with stool.
d. Ask the patient to describe any complaints not yet discussed in the interview.
For example.
(1)
Nausea. Frequency? Duration? Associated with meals? Relieved by?
(2)
Vomiting. Frequency? Character of emesis? Relieved by?
(3) Heartburn/indigestion. Frequency? Duration? Associated with specific
foods? Relieved by?
(4)
Gas (belching and flatus). Frequency? Associated with specific foods?
Relieved by?
(5)
Pain. Location? Frequency? Duration? Character of the pain?
(6)
Weight loss. How much? In what time period?
1-15. PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
a. Perform a brief, general head-to-toe visual inspection of the patient. Are
height and weight within normal range for the patient's age and body type?
b. Observe the skin for the following:
(1)
Color (pale, gray, ruddy, jaundiced).
(2)
Bruises.
(3)
Rashes.
(4)
Lesions.
(5)
Turgor and moisture content.
(6)
Edema.
MD0918
1-13