Førsteundersøkelse

Førsteundersøkelse is a term used in Norwegian health professions to refer to the initial examination conducted when a person presents with health concerns. The purpose is to establish a working understanding of the patient’s current problem and overall health status, differentiate emergencies from non-urgent conditions, and lay the groundwork for further diagnostic steps and treatment.

Usually begins with history taking (anamnesis), including the chief complaint, onset, duration, aggravating or relieving factors, medical history, medications, allergies, and social and family history. This is followed by a brief general observation and a targeted physical examination, focused on the organs or systems most likely involved. Vital signs are measured, and basic screening tests may be performed as needed. The examiner may form a provisional diagnosis or a list of differential diagnoses and determine the urgency of care and any immediate risks, deciding whether conditions require urgent referral or treatment.

In different settings the exact content varies: in emergency departments, the emphasis is on triage and stabilization; in primary care, it includes preventive health elements; in dentistry and veterinary medicine, there are field-specific components such as oral health assessment or animal history. The first examination serves as the basis for planning further investigations, treatment, and follow-up, and it is usually documented for continuity of care.

Documentation and patient consent are integral, with findings recorded in electronic health records or paper forms. The first examination should respect patient privacy, autonomy, and cultural considerations, and it informs the care plan and subsequent steps.