specific questions to ask in a rheumatology history

Question 1

specific questions for systemic sclerosis

Answer 1

Have you noticed any recent skin changes, such as tightening, thickening or the formation of lumps in the skin?”
“Do you notice that your fingertips change colour, particularly in the cold or during stress?”
“Do you ever find it difficult to swallow food or drink fluids?”
“Does it ever feel like food gets stuck in your gullet?”
“Have you noticed any new blood vessels becoming visible on the skin or your palms or face?”

Question 2

specific questions for SLE

Answer 2

Have you recently experienced any fevers or weight loss?”
“Do you have any aching in any of your joints or muscles?”
“Have you noticed any rashes or skin changes recently?”
“Have you noticed any blood or other changes in your urine?”
“Have you noticed any changes in your thoughts or mood?”
“Have you felt more short of breath recently?”
“Have you experienced any chest pain recently?”
“Have you felt more fatigued or found that you are bruising more easily recently?”

Question 3

specific questions for Sjogren’s

Answer 3

“Have you experienced dry or sore eyes recently?”
“Have you noticed that your mouth is drier than usual recently, even when well hydrated?”
“Have you had a cough recently?”

Question 4

specific questions for malignancy

Answer 4

Have you noticed any unintentional weight loss recently?”
“Have you experienced any night sweats recently?”
“Have you noticed any change in your appetite?”
“Have you felt more tired recently?”

Question 5

specific questions for swellings and sweats

Answer 5

Have you noticed any swelling of your joints recently?”
“Which joints have become swollen and when did that start?”
“Is the joint swelling painful?”
“Does the joint swelling impact your daily activities?”
“Have you noticed any associated redness of skin overlying the swollen joints?”