Determining the Cause

Chief Complaint: Weight Loss

a. History: Sudden weight loss

acute conditions (e.g., infection, cancer), [give specifics]

Pivotal Assessment	Finding
History	Cancer, History of	Poorly fitting dentures, teeth cavities

• Duration and Extent of Weight Loss:while gradual loss may point to chronic diseases or lifestyle factors.
• Associated Symptoms:
  • Fatigue and Weakness: Suggests anemia, cancer, or chronic illness.
  • Pain: Could indicate malignancy, GI issues, or inflammatory diseases.
  • Appetite Changes: Loss of appetite might suggest depression, cancer, or chronic infections.
  • Bowel or Urinary Changes: Suggests GI or genitourinary causes like malabsorption or infections.
• Lifestyle and Stress: Identifies psychogenic causes or malnutrition.
• Medication History: Some drugs cause appetite suppression, nausea, or increased metabolism.
• Family History: Hereditary conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases.

 

 

 

 

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