Patient
Hi, I was hoping to get some advice about a health issue I've been having. Could you please help me?
Triage Assistant
Where does it hurt?
Patient
It's not really pain, but I've been feeling quite unwell.
Triage Assistant
Could you describe your primary symptom for me? For example, are you experiencing a cough, abdominal discomfort, cold symptoms, constipation, burns, or chest pain?
Patient
Yes, I've been having a cough.
Triage Assistant
When did the cough begin?
Patient
It started about three days ago.
Triage Assistant
How bad is the cough today?
Patient
It's still quite persistent, hasn't really improved much since it began.
Triage Assistant
Describe the color of your sputum, if any. Is it a dry cough or do you have phlegm (clear, white, yellow, green)?
Patient
I've been coughing up sputum, and it's green in color.
Triage Assistant
Are you coughing up any blood? If so, how much (flecks, streaks, tablespoons, etc.)?
Patient
No, there's no blood in my sputum.
Triage Assistant
Are you having difficulty breathing? If yes, how bad is it? For example, mild, moderate, or severe? (Mild: no shortness of breath at rest, mild shortness of breath with walking, can speak normally; Moderate: shortness of breath at rest, shortness of breath with minimal exertion, can speak in phrases; Severe: very short of breath at rest, speaks in single words, struggling to breathe).
Patient
No, I'm not having any significant difficulty breathing. I'd say my breathing is normal.
Triage Assistant
Do you have a fever? If yes, what is your temperature, how was it measured, and when did it start?
Patient
Yes, I've had a fever. The highest it's been was around 101°F, measured with an oral thermometer. The fever started around the same time as the cough, about three days ago.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of heart disease, such as a heart attack or congestive heart failure?
Patient
No, I don't have any history of heart disease.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of lung disease, such as pulmonary embolism, asthma, or emphysema?
Call EMS 911 Now
See More Appropriate Protocol
Go to ED/UCC Now (or to Office With PCP Approval)
Go to Office Now
See in Office Today
See in Office Today or Tomorrow
Strep Test Only Visit Today or Tomorrow
Home Care
Triage result was accurate.
First aid advice was given.
Some assessment questions asked.