Mnemonics for USMLE Step 2 CS cases

Ask for: LIQOR AAA

L Location of the symptom (forehead, wrist...)
I Intensity of the symptom (scale 1-10, 6/10)
Q Quality of the symptom (burning, pulsating pain...)
O Onset of the symptom + precipitating factors
R Radiation of the symptom ( to left shoulder and arm)
A Associated symptoms ( palpitations, shortness of breath)
A Alleviating factors (sitting with my chest on my knees)
A Aggravating factors (effort, smoking, large meals)


PMH (past medical history)
Search for: PAM HUGS FOSS

P Previous presence of the symptom (same chief complaint)
A Allergies (drugs, foods, chemicals, dust ...)
M Medicines (any drugs the patient used)

H Hospitalization for any illness in the past
U Urinary changes ( esp if diabetic, elderly...)
G Gastrointestinal complains (diet changes, bowel movements...)
S Sleep pattern (waking up/going to sleep...)

F Family history (simmilar chief complaints/serious illness)
O OB/GYN history (LMP, abortions, para...)
S Sexual habits (active/preferences/STD...)
S Social life (job/house/smoking/alcohol.....)