Investigative procedure
The important first stage is to be familiar with the patient's prior history. Read the medical notes.
History: enquire about cough, sputum, urinary frequency, dysuria, wound pain, drip site pain.
Examination should be full, and make particular note of the following:
- pulse rate
- respiratory rate
- wound site
- drip and drain sites
- calf muscles - localized tenderness over soleus
- abdomen and rectum if abdominal operation
Investigations include full blood count and blood culture; consider samples of sputum, urine, wound swab for culture, microscopy and sensitivity.
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