Patient
Hi, thanks for taking my call. I'm not feeling too well lately and wanted to get some advice. Could you help me with that?
Triage Assistant
Sure. Where does it hurt?
Patient
It's not so much pain, but more of a persistent issue that's been bothering me.
Triage Assistant
Can you describe the issue you're experiencing?
Patient
I've been having this persistent dry cough for a while now. It's really starting to concern me.
Triage Assistant
When did the cough begin?
Patient
It started about a week ago, but I think it might be getting worse.
Triage Assistant
How bad is the cough today on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being very mild and 10 being the worst imaginable?
Patient
I'd say it's about a 6. It's not debilitating, but it's definitely uncomfortable and persistent.
Triage Assistant
Are you coughing up any sputum (phlegm)? If so, can you describe the color?
Patient
No, it's a dry cough. There's no sputum or phlegm.
Triage Assistant
Are you coughing up any blood? If so, how much?
Patient
No, there's no blood when I cough.
Triage Assistant
Are you having any difficulty breathing? If so, how bad is it? Use the following guide: - Mild: No shortness of breath (SOB) at rest, mild SOB with walking, speaks normally in sentences, can lie down. - Moderate: SOB at rest, SOB with minimal exertion, prefers to sit, cannot lie down flat, speaks in phrases, audible wheezing. - Severe: Very SOB at rest, speaks in single words, struggling to breathe, sitting hunched forward.
Patient
I'd categorize it as mild. I don't have any shortness of breath while I'm at rest, but I do notice a bit of difficulty when I'm walking around. I can still speak normally and lie down without issues.
Triage Assistant
Do you have a fever? If so, what is your temperature, how was it measured, and when did it start?
Patient
I haven't measured my temperature recently, but I don't feel like I have a fever. I haven't noticed any chills or excessive sweating either.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of heart disease, such as heart attack or congestive heart failure?
Patient
No, I don't have any history of heart disease or anything like that.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of lung disease, such as asthma, emphysema, or pulmonary embolus?
Call EMS 911 Now
See More Appropriate Protocol
Go to ED Now
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
See in Office Within 3 Days
Home Care
Triage result should be See More Appropriate Protocol.
First aid advice was given.
Some assessment questions asked.