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Smallpox physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]

Overview

Overview

Depending on the stage of the disease, physical findings may include: high fever, tachycardia secondary to the fever, rash of the oral mucosa, skin rash with typical progression, ophthalmological changes, abdominal pain, and altered mental status.

Physical Examination

Physical Examination

Appearance of the Patient

Depending on the stage of the disease, the smallpox patient may have different appearances. These may range from:[1][2]

  • Asymptomatic, if it is a patient who had contact with someone with smallpox, got the infection, and is currently in the incubation period
  • Extremely ill, if it is someone who is in the prodromal period and appears extremely ill, is vomiting and fatigued

Vitals

Temperature

  • A fever is often present, particularly in the prodromal period
Rate

Blood Pressure

Skin

  • A rash is often present
  • Lesions may be present

Eyes

Throat

Abdomen

Extremities

Neurologic

Gallery
References

References

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