Answer:
When conducting the history of present illness, you should assess for several key factors including:
- Onset: When did the symptoms begin?
- Location: Where are the symptoms located?
- Duration: How long have the symptoms been present?
- Character: What do the symptoms feel like? (e.g., sharp, dull, burning)
- Aggravating/Alleviating Factors: What makes the symptoms better or worse?
- Severity: How intense are the symptoms?
- Timing: Are the symptoms constant or intermittent? Do they occur at specific times of day?
- Associated Symptoms: Are there any other symptoms accompanying the main complaint?
- Previous Treatment: Has the patient tried any treatments for the symptoms? If so, what were the results?
- Impact on Activities of Daily Living: How do the symptoms affect the patient's ability to function?
- Relevant Medical History: Are there any pre-existing conditions or past medical events that could be related to the current symptoms?
