History

Obviously a full history but following in particular

Age

Occupation

Who is the patient accompanied by?

Presenting complaint and history off

Appetite

Weight loss

Haemoptysis - Amount, colour, frequency, and duration

Smoking history - current / Ex smoker / non smoker. Date of last cigarette, number of cigarettes per day and duration of smoking expressed as pack years.

Asbestos exposure

Bone pains or headaches

Exercise tolerance On flat and stairs

Use of inhalers and nebulisers

Past medical history

Asthma / COAD, BP, previous MIs, diabetes, DVT or PE, CVA / RIND / /TIA, previous operations and anesthetics

Reflux symptoms or a hiatus hernia means possibility of aspiration on induction

Alcohol (will they withdraw on ward post operatively)

Recreational drugs ( eg cannabis in young patient with pneumothorax)

Medications aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin. Obviously important surgically but also may contraindicate an epidural if not stopped.

Social setup important for discharge

ALWAYS ASK ABOUT OLD CHEST X-RAYS