In patient assessments, what is typically reviewed first?

The chief complaint is typically reviewed first during patient assessments because it provides the primary reason the patient is seeking medical care. Understanding the chief complaint helps healthcare providers focus their inquiry and examinations on the specific issues that prompted the patient to seek assistance. This initial information is vital for establishing a clinical context and guiding further assessment steps, such as obtaining the medical history and conducting a physical examination.

Following the chief complaint, a detailed medical history can reveal relevant background information on the patient’s health, while the review of systems helps in organizing and summarizing the patient's complaints and system functions. The physical examination is conducted after these elements have been reviewed, allowing the practitioner to identify any abnormalities that relate to the chief complaint.