Which item is included among the eight components of the general survey?

• A. Age
• B. Occupation
• C. Odors of body/breath
• D. Lab results

Answer: (C)

Observing the patient’s general appearance and immediate cues is the core idea here. The general survey includes noting nonverbal, at-a-glance signs that shape your overall impression of how the patient is doing. Odors of body or breath are part of that initial observational set because a detectable smell can reflect metabolic states (like fruity breath in diabetes), hygiene, or acute distress, and it’s something you record as part of the first impression.

Age belongs to demographic or history data gathered separately, not the bedside general survey. Occupation is a social history detail, again obtained outside the immediate physical appraisal. Lab results are objective data from tests, not directly observed during the general survey.