Signs and symptoms Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the difference between a sign and a symptom?
A sign is an objective finding observed by a healthcare professional (e.g. rash, fever), while a symptom is a subjective experience reported by the patient (e.g. pain, nausea).
What are the three types of pain?
- Nociceptive (due to tissue damage), 2. Neuropathic (due to nerve damage), 3. Psychogenic (linked to psychological factors).
What are common symptoms of respiratory disease?
shortness of breath (dyspnoea), wheeze, chest pain.
What are signs of respiratory distress?
Use of accessory muscles, nasal flaring, cyanosis, abnormal breath sounds, and tachypnoea (rapid breathing).
What is dyspnoea?
Dyspnoea is the subjective sensation of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
What is orthopnoea?
Orthopnoea is difficulty breathing while lying flat, commonly associated with heart failure.
What is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea (PND)?
PND is sudden shortness of breath at night that awakens the patient, often due to heart failure.
What are red flag symptoms for serious illness?
Unexplained weight loss, night sweats, persistent fever, haemoptysis, unexplained bleeding, severe pain, and new-onset confusion.
What is a differential diagnosis?
A differential diagnosis is a list of possible conditions that could cause a patient’s symptoms and signs, used to guide further investigation.
What is the significance of vital signs?
Vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation) are key indicators of physiological status and help identify acutely unwell patients.
