What components are included in a problem-focused exam?

A problem-focused exam is centered on addressing the specific concern or issue the patient presents with, rather than providing a broad assessment of all aspects of their health. Therefore, it typically includes a focused examination that targets the pertinent areas related to the patient's chief complaint.

When identifying components in a problem-focused exam, one would expect to compile 1-5 bullet points that relate to one or more systems relevant to the issue at hand. This targeted approach enables a quicker diagnosis and more efficient use of time in clinical settings, allowing the clinician to concentrate on the primary reason why the patient visited.

In contrast, a comprehensive review of all systems involves a much broader scope that includes evaluations across all body systems, which is not characteristic of a problem-focused exam. The inclusion of detailed patient history and social background is also beyond the immediate scope of a problem-focused assessment, as this is more comprehensive than what is typically done in a focused evaluation. Lastly, while specific lab tests and imaging results can assist in the diagnostic process, they are not considered part of the examination component itself and are usually analyzed based on the exam findings rather than included in the focused evaluation. Thus, the answer that emphasizes the short, pertinent bullet points aligned with a specific issue is the most accurate reflection of