Introduction
A patient presented with the sole complaint of unexplained weight loss can present a significant diagnostic challenge. Obtaining a complete and detailed history in conjunction with performance of a comprehensive physical examination is imperative.
Properly performed, these basic clinical tasks will often allow a diagnosis in an expedient and efficient manner. The astute clinician will also realize that clients may unintentionally omit potentially important historical information. The use of probing questions will minimize this occurrence.Weight loss is considered clinically significant when it equals or exceeds 10% of the patient’s normal body weight. Emaciation is defined as a loss of greater than 20% of normal body weight and cachexia, the most advanced state of weight loss, is characterized by severe weakness, anorexia, and an altered mental state.
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