Final answer:
A detailed chronological description of the development of the patient's illness in a medical history is known as the medical history. The prodromal period is the stage where general signs and symptoms begin to appear.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a medical history, a detailed chronological description of the development of the patient's illness is referred to as the medical history.
On the topic of the periods of disease, the stage during which the patient begins to present general signs and symptoms is called the prodromal period. This period occurs after the incubation period and can serve as a precursor to the more severe period of illness.
A common example to illustrate these concepts includes diseases such as Parkinson's disease or diabetes. When Robert underwent a test to determine if he was diabetic, healthcare professionals were likely looking to identify the disease during the prodromal period, where early symptoms may arise.