Which item is not part of the general survey?

• A. Level of consciousness
• B. Skin color and obvious lesions
• C. Past medical history
• D. Posture, gait, and motor activity

Answer: (C)

The general survey is the quick, on-the-spot observational check at the start of the exam, focusing on what you can see and infer from the patient's appearance and behavior. It includes level of consciousness, which shows how awake and oriented the patient is; skin color and obvious lesions, which reflect circulation, oxygenation, and skin condition; and posture, gait, and motor activity, which reveal neurologic and musculoskeletal status and any discomfort or weakness.

Past medical history, on the other hand, comes from interviewing the patient and reviewing records. It documents prior illnesses, surgeries, medications, allergies, and family history—not what is immediately observable during the general survey. So the item not part of the general survey is the past medical history.