d. Complaint of Pain.
(1)
Where is the pain located?
(2)
How did the pain start? When?
(3)
Is the pain sharp or dull? Mild or severe? Constant or intermittent?
e. State of Consciousness.
(1)
Is the patient alert or drowsy?
(2) Is the patient oriented to his surroundings (Does he know where he is, or
does he seem confused)?
f. Nausea and Vomiting.
(1)
When did the nausea begin?
(2)
Did vomiting occur? If so, when? Was blood present in the vomitus?
(3)
At what time did the patient last eat? What did he eat?
g. Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration.
(1) Is there any marked deviation from normal TPR? (An oral temperature
in the 97.6F to 99.6F range is considered to be normal. Normal pulse rate is between
60 and 80 beats per minute. Normal respiration rate is between 14 and 20 breaths per
minute.)
(2)
Are there any abnormalities in the pulse rate rhythm?
(3)
Is the patient experiencing difficulty in breathing?
h. General Posture and Gait.
(1)
Does the patient experience difficulty in sitting?
(2)
Does the patient experience difficulty in standing? Walking?
5-5.
THE ALGORITHM-DIRECTED TROOP MEDICAL CARE SYSTEM
In some medical facilities, the algorithm-directed troop medical care (ADTMC)
system is utilized. The algorithm system was developed to assist the medical specialist
and others in routing the patient being interviewed directly to the appropriate level of
health care provider based upon the type and severity of his signs and symptoms.
MD0920
5-5