Which represents information obtained during a review of systems (ROS)?

Which represents information obtained during a review of systems (ROS)?

• A. Number of previous hospitalizations
• B. Height and weight
• C. History of birthmarks or skin lesions
• D. Mother of the child has asthma

Answer: (B)

Growth data like height and weight are gathered as part of the review of systems because they reflect how the child is developing and whether there are nutritional or growth concerns. In pediatrics, asking about growth, appetite, energy, and overall changes helps identify problems that may not be obvious from symptoms alone, and these measurements are routinely recorded and discussed during history taking and the ROS. Seeing a child’s height and weight on growth charts provides objective context for whether development is on track or if further evaluation is needed for issues like growth delay or obesity. The other items are not ROS because they’re more about past history or non-systemic background: the number of prior hospitalizations is past medical history; birthmarks or skin lesions are a dermatologic history or physical finding rather than a current symptom review; and maternal asthma is family history.

Growth data like height and weight are gathered as part of the review of systems because they reflect how the child is developing and whether there are nutritional or growth concerns. In pediatrics, asking about growth, appetite, energy, and overall changes helps identify problems that may not be obvious from symptoms alone, and these measurements are routinely recorded and discussed during history taking and the ROS. Seeing a child’s height and weight on growth charts provides objective context for whether development is on track or if further evaluation is needed for issues like growth delay or obesity.

The other items are not ROS because they’re more about past history or non-systemic background: the number of prior hospitalizations is past medical history; birthmarks or skin lesions are a dermatologic history or physical finding rather than a current symptom review; and maternal asthma is family history.