Step 1: General and Focused Physical Examination.
A thorough examination is essential to assess the severity of the condition and identify possible complications. The following examinations should be performed:
(1) General Examination:
- Assess for signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased skin turgor, and low blood pressure).
- Check for signs of malnutrition (e.g., weight loss, cachexi.
- Vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure, and temperature, should be measured to assess for systemic involvement.
(2) Abdominal Examination:
- A gentle abdominal exam should be done to rule out other causes of vomiting, such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, or an abdominal mass.
(3) Pelvic Examination:
- A pelvic exam may be performed to rule out any gynecological causes of vomiting (e.g., ectopic pregnancy).
(4) Neurological Examination:
- Assess for signs of increased intracranial pressure (e.g., headache, altered consciousness) in case of conditions like preeclampsia or brain tumors.
(5) Hydration Status:
- Check for electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hyponatremia, hypokalemi that may occur due to vomiting and dehydration.