Onset and duration of symptoms is included in the patient's?

The onset and duration of symptoms are fundamental components of the history of present illness (HPI). The HPI provides a detailed account of the patient's current health issue, including the timeline of when symptoms began, how they have progressed, and their duration. This information is crucial for the healthcare provider to understand the nature and severity of the patient's complaint, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.

The HPI typically outlines specifics about the patient's symptoms, such as their onset, duration, intensity, and any factors that may alleviate or exacerbate the symptoms. This detailed narrative helps create a complete picture of the patient's condition as it relates to their present complaint.

In contrast, medical history encompasses a broader view of the patient's overall health, including past medical, surgical, and social history. The review of systems is a systematic approach to identifying any additional issues across various body systems, but it doesn't dive into the specifics of the current illness. Family history focuses on hereditary health conditions and illnesses that may affect the patient's health but does not pertain specifically to the present complaint.