What should you check for when a patient complains about spitting blood when they cough?

The history of the present problem, allergies, medications, and recent major operations.-rationale: after assessing the clients chief complaint, the nurse should review the clients pertinent medical history; a description of any allergies or allergic reactions; any illness requiring treatment; major surgeries performed, including why and when; and current medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) and their purposes. This information allows the nurse to establish a baseline and determine the cause and urgency of the clients problem.