review of systems

review of systems (ROS)

[rivyo̅o̅′]

Etymology: Fr, revoir, to see again

(in a health history) a system-by-system review of the body functions. The ROS is begun during the initial interview with the patient and completed during the physical examination, as physical findings prompt further questions. Questions about family or personal history are included in each section. One outline of the systems and some of the signs and symptoms that might be noted or reported are as follows:

skin bruising, discoloration, pruritus, birthmarks, moles, ulcers, decubiti, changes in the hair or nails, sun exposure and protection.

hematopoietic spontaneous or excessive bleeding, fatigue, enlarged or tender lymph nodes, pallor, history of anemia.

head and face pain, traumatic injury, ptosis.

ears tinnitus, change in hearing, running or discharge from the ears, deafness, dizziness.

eyes change in vision, pain, inflammation, infections, double vision, scotomata, blurring, tearing.

mouth and throat dental problems, hoarseness, dysphagia, bleeding gums, sore throat, ulcers or sores in the mouth.

nose and sinuses discharge, epistaxis, sinus pain, obstruction.

breasts pain, change in contour or skin color, lumps, discharge from the nipple.

respiratory tract cough, sputum, change in sputum, night sweats, nocturnal dyspnea, wheezing.

cardiovascular system chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations, weakness, intolerance of exercise, varicosities, swelling of extremities, known murmur, hypertension, asystole.

gastrointestinal system nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, quality of appetite, change in appetite, dysphagia, gas, heartburn, melena, change in bowel habits, use of laxatives or other drugs to alter the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

urinary tract dysuria, change in color of urine, change in frequency of urination, pain with urgency, incontinence, edema, retention, nocturia.

genital tract (female) menstrual history, obstetric history, contraceptive use, discharge, pain or discomfort, pruritus, history of venereal disease, sexual history.

genital tract (male) penile discharge, pain or discomfort, pruritus, skin lesions, hematuria, history of venereal disease, sexual history.

skeletal system heat; redness; swelling; limitation of function; deformity; crepitation: pain in a joint or an extremity, the neck, or the back, especially with movement.

nervous system dizziness, tremor, ataxia, difficulty in speaking, change in speech, paresthesia, loss of sensation, seizures, syncope, changes in memory.

endocrine system tremor, palpitations, intolerance of heat or cold, polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, diaphoresis, exophthalmos, goiter.

psychologic status nervousness, instability, depression, phobia, sexual disturbances, criminal behavior, insomnia, night terrors, mania, memory loss, perseveration, disorientation.

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review of systems

Internal medicine An organized and complete examination of a Pt's organ systems as part of the workup when the Pt is first seen by a physician; an ROS is an inventory of body systems obtained by verbal history, with the signs and/or Sx which the Pt is experiencing or had. See Evaluation and management services, Physical examination.