GNM 2nd Year Chapter 2: Common Signs and Symptoms of Illness

Introduction

• Importance of recognizing early signs and symptoms.
• The role of healthcare professionals in identifying abnormalities.
• How early detection can prevent complications.

Section 1: Definitions

• Sign: An objective, measurable indication of illness (e.g., fever, rash).
• Symptom: A subjective experience reported by the patient (e.g., pain, dizziness).

Section 2: General Signs and Symptoms

• Fever: Common in infections; understanding patterns (low-grade, high-grade, intermittent).
• Pain: Types (acute, chronic, localized, generalized).
• Fatigue: Causes (anemia, chronic conditions, stress).
• Nausea and Vomiting: Possible causes (gastrointestinal, neurological, infections).
• Cough: Types (dry, wet, chronic, acute) and related conditions (respiratory infections, allergies).
• Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Causes (asthma, pneumonia, cardiac issues).
• Swelling (Edema): Localized or generalized; common causes (injury, kidney issues, heart failure).
• Bleeding/Clotting Issues: Understanding the importance of platelet disorders or trauma.

Section 3: System-Specific Symptoms

1. Neurological:
   • Headache.
   • Dizziness/Vertigo.
   • Numbness/Weakness.
   • Seizures.
2. Respiratory:
   • Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea).
   • Chest tightness.
   • Hemoptysis (coughing blood).
3. Cardiovascular:
   • Palpitations ( Felling Slow or Fast Heartbeat )
   • Chest pain (Angina).
   • Swelling in legs.
4. Gastrointestinal:
   • Abdominal pain.
   • Diarrhea/Constipation.
   • Blood in stool (Melena or Hematochezia).
5. Genitourinary:
   • Painful urination (Dysuria).
   • Change in urinary frequency.
   • Blood in urine (Hematuria).
6. Musculoskeletal:
   • Joint pain or swelling.
   • Muscle weakness or cramps.
7. Skin:
   • Rashes.
   • Itching (Pruritus).
   • Changes in skin color or texture.

Section 4: Assessment of Symptoms

• Importance of history-taking:
  • Duration, onset, and progression of symptoms.
  • Associated factors (e.g., triggers, relievers).
• Observation and examination:
  • Vital signs.
  • Inspection, palpation, auscultation.
• Importance of patient communication:
  • Active listening.
  • Addressing patient concerns empathetically.

Section 5: Red Flags in Symptoms

• Severe headache with sudden onset.
• Chest pain radiating to the arm or jaw.
• High fever with stiff neck or rash.
• Sudden loss of consciousness.
• Severe abdominal pain with vomiting.

Section 6: Documentation and Reporting

• Proper documentation of signs and symptoms.
• Reporting to seniors or doctors for timely intervention.

Section 1: General Symptoms

General symptoms are often non-specific but critical indicators of illness. These include:

1. Fever:
   • Body temperature exceeding normal ranges (above 37.5°C/99.5°F).
   • Common in infections, autoimmune disorders, and malignancies.
2. Pain:
   • Types: Acute, chronic, localized, generalized.
   • Causes: Inflammation, injury, infection.
3. Fatigue:
   • Persistent tiredness despite rest.
   • Linked to anemia, thyroid dysfunction, or chronic diseases.
4. Weight Loss/Gain:
   • Unintentional changes in weight due to metabolic disorders, cancers, or hormonal imbalances.
5. Appetite Changes:
   • Loss of appetite (anorexia) or increased hunger (polyphagia).
   • Associated with conditions like diabetes, infections, or psychological issues.
6. Nausea and Vomiting:
   • Common in gastrointestinal, neurological, or metabolic conditions.
7. Dizziness/Vertigo:
   • Linked to vestibular disorders, dehydration, or low blood pressure.
8. Sweating (Diaphoresis):
   • Night sweats in infections or excessive sweating in thyroid disorders.

Section 2: Altered Vital Signs

Vital signs are key indicators of a patient’s physiological status. Changes can signal acute or chronic conditions.

1. Temperature:
   • Hyperthermia (Fever): Infection, inflammation, heatstroke.
   • Hypothermia: Exposure to cold, hypothyroidism, or shock.
2. Pulse/Heart Rate:
   • Tachycardia (Fast heart rate): Dehydration, fever, stress.
   • Bradycardia (Slow heart rate): Hypothyroidism, heart block.
3. Respiratory Rate:
   • Tachypnea (Increased rate): Anxiety, lung infection, acidosis.
   • Bradypnea (Decreased rate): Drug overdose, brain injury.
4. Blood Pressure:
   • Hypertension: Stress, kidney disease, cardiovascular disorders.
   • Hypotension: Shock, dehydration, or blood loss.
5. Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂):
   • Decreased levels indicate hypoxemia, common in respiratory or cardiac conditions.

Section 3: Skin Changes

The skin often reflects systemic illnesses. Key signs include:

1. Color Changes:
   • Pallor: Anemia or poor circulation.
   • Cyanosis: Low oxygen levels in blood (bluish discoloration).
   • Jaundice: Yellowing due to liver disease or hemolysis.
   • Redness (Erythema): Inflammation, fever, or infections.
2. Texture Changes:
   • Dryness: Dehydration, hypothyroidism.
   • Scaling: Psoriasis, fungal infections.
   • Thickening: Chronic dermatitis or lymphedema.
3. Rashes:
   • Macules, papules, pustules, vesicles (linked to allergies, infections).
4. Lesions:
   • Wounds, ulcers, or abnormal growths.
5. Bruising (Ecchymosis):
   • Indicates trauma, clotting disorders, or abuse.
6. Itching (Pruritus):
   • Can occur in liver diseases, allergies, or kidney failure.
7. Swelling:
   • Localized: Infections, bites.
   • Generalized: Edema in kidney or heart diseases.