pt. I. Introduction. Clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based practice -- pt. II. Common problems of the head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Earache -- Sore throat -- Nasal symptoms and sinus congestion -- Hoarseness -- Red eye -- Vision loss -- pt. III. Common problems of the skin. Rashes and skin lesions -- pt. IV. Common problems of the cardiovascular system. Chest pain -- Syncope -- pt. V. Common problems of the respiratory system. Dyspnea -- Cough -- pt. VI. Common problems of the abdomen and gastrointestinal system. Abdominal pain -- Diarrhea -- Constipation -- Rectal pain, itching, and bleeding -- pt. VII. Common problems of the genitourinary system. Urinary incontinence -- Urinary problems in females and children -- Genitourinary problems in males -- Penile discharge -- pt. VIII. Common gynecological problems. Vaginal discharge and itching -- Vaginal bleeding -- Amenorrhea -- pt. IX. Common problems of the breasts. Breast lumps and nipple discharge -- Breast pain -- pt. X. Common problems of the musculoskeletal system. Limb pain -- Acute low back pain -- pt. XI. Common problems of the neurological system. Headache -- Dizziness -- pt. XII. Common problems in mental status. Confusion in older adults -- Sleep problems -- Mood changes, behavior changes, and psychosocial concerns -- pt. XIII. Common systemic problems. Fever -- Fatigue -- The chest film.

Designed for advanced practice nursing students and novice clinicians, this resource takes the readers to the 'next step' of health assessment - beyond basic history and physical examination and into diagnostic reasoning process. It focuses on the physical examination around a specific chief complaint rather than a diagnosis or disease entity.