Question

What is the difference between the HPI (History of Present Illness) and ROS (Review of Systems)?

A) HPI focuses on past medical history, while ROS focuses on current symptoms
B) HPI is a patient's description of their current illness, while ROS is a systematic review of various body systems
C) HPI is performed by physicians, while ROS is performed by nurses
D) HPI is a physical examination, while ROS is a medical history

Answer 1

The History of Present Illness (HPI) is a detailed narrative of the patient's current issue, while the Review of Systems (ROS) systematically identifies symptoms across various body systems. Both are part of a patient's medical history and help to build a comprehensive picture of the patient’s health.

Step-by-step explanation:

The History of Present Illness (HPI) and the Review of Systems (ROS) are both key components of a medical history, but they serve different purposes. The HPI is a detailed narrative that describes the progression of a patient's current medical problem, from the first sign or symptom to the present. It includes elements such as location, quality, severity, duration, timing, context, modifying factors, and associated symptoms.

In contrast, the ROS is a systematic process for identifying symptoms the patient may be experiencing or has experienced across different body systems. It's a checklist of symptoms that covers a range of physiological systems, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, and others. Unlike the HPI, the ROS does not delve into the details of any particular issue; rather, it helps to reveal a broader picture of the patient's overall health.

Contrary to the misconception, the HPI is not a physical examination; it is part of the medical history taken through patient narration and questioning, while the ROS is a comprehensive review of symptoms.