Patient CareQuestion 27 of 100
Which piece of information belongs in the past medical history rather than the history of present illness?
a.The patient reports the headache started three days ago
b.The patient rates the current pain as 7 out of 10
c.The patient says the pain worsens with bright light
d.The patient had an appendectomy at age 19
Explanation
Past medical history records prior illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, and chronic conditions, so a childhood or young-adult appendectomy belongs there. Onset, severity, and aggravating factors all describe the current problem and belong in the history of present illness. Keeping the sections distinct helps the provider evaluate the current complaint efficiently.
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