Triage Questions to Ask Patients
Critical triage questions nurses and medical staff should ask patients to assess urgency, identify red flags, gather essential history, and prioritize care effectively.
1What brings you in today, and when did your symptoms start?
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What brings you in today, and when did your symptoms start?
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Why this works
Chief complaint and onset time establish baseline and urgency.
2On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your pain or discomfort?
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On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your pain or discomfort?
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Why this works
Pain level is a key vital sign and triage criterion.
3Are you experiencing any chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe headache?
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Are you experiencing any chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe headache?
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Why this works
Screens for life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate attention.
4Have you had any recent trauma, falls, or injuries?
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Have you had any recent trauma, falls, or injuries?
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Why this works
Trauma history affects assessment and potential internal injuries.
5What medications are you currently taking, including over-the-counter?
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What medications are you currently taking, including over-the-counter?
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Why this works
Medication list identifies interactions, allergies, and chronic conditions.
6Do you have any known allergies to medications, foods, or latex?
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Do you have any known allergies to medications, foods, or latex?
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Why this works
Prevents life-threatening allergic reactions during treatment.
7Do you have any chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma?
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Do you have any chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma?
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Why this works
Pre-existing conditions affect treatment and risk stratification.
8Have you experienced any fever, chills, or signs of infection?
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Have you experienced any fever, chills, or signs of infection?
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Why this works
Fever indicates possible infection or sepsis risk.
9Are you pregnant or could you be pregnant?
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Are you pregnant or could you be pregnant?
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Why this works
Pregnancy affects imaging, medication, and treatment decisions.
10Have you had any recent surgeries or hospitalizations?
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Have you had any recent surgeries or hospitalizations?
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Why this works
Recent procedures may be related to current symptoms.
11Are you experiencing any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
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Are you experiencing any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
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Why this works
GI symptoms indicate dehydration risk or systemic illness.
12Have you noticed any changes in urination or bowel movements?
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Have you noticed any changes in urination or bowel movements?
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Why this works
Elimination changes signal infection, obstruction, or organ dysfunction.
13Are you having any numbness, tingling, or weakness?
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Are you having any numbness, tingling, or weakness?
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Why this works
Neurological symptoms require urgent evaluation for stroke or nerve damage.
14Have you had any recent exposure to illness or travel?
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Have you had any recent exposure to illness or travel?
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Why this works
Exposure history identifies contagion risk and differential diagnoses.
15Do you use tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs?
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Do you use tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs?
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Why this works
Substance use affects treatment, withdrawal risk, and medication dosing.
16Have you had this problem before, and if so, how was it treated?
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Have you had this problem before, and if so, how was it treated?
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Why this works
Past episodes and treatments guide current management.
17Are you experiencing any confusion, dizziness, or changes in consciousness?
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Are you experiencing any confusion, dizziness, or changes in consciousness?
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Why this works
Altered mental status is a critical red flag.
18Do you have any bleeding that won't stop or unusual bruising?
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Do you have any bleeding that won't stop or unusual bruising?
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Why this works
Coagulation issues require urgent intervention.
19Who is your primary care doctor, and have you seen them about this?
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Who is your primary care doctor, and have you seen them about this?
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Why this works
Establishes care continuity and follow-up plans.
20Is there anything else you think we should know about your condition?
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Is there anything else you think we should know about your condition?
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Why this works
Opens space for patient concerns and additional context.
Effective Patient Triage Protocols
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Use the ABCDE Approach
Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure—systematically assess life threats first.
Document Objectively
Record vital signs, observations, and patient statements verbatim—avoid interpretation in triage notes.
Reassess High-Risk Patients
Waiting patients can deteriorate—recheck vitals and status periodically.
Red Flag Symptoms Requiring Immediate Attention
Critical Symptoms
Common Pitfalls
Anchoring Bias
Don't assume based on chief complaint—ask thorough questions to catch hidden emergencies.
Dismissing Patient Concerns
Patients know their bodies—if they say something is seriously wrong, investigate thoroughly.