Question

A patient diagnosed with viral meningitis complains of an unusual intolerance and sensitivity to light. You document this finding as _____________________.

Answer 1

The patient's sensitivity to light is documented as photophobia, a common symptom of meningitis caused by inflammation of the meninges leading to heightened sensory response.

Step-by-step explanation:

The finding that a patient diagnosed with viral meningitis has an unusual intolerance and sensitivity to light is documented as photophobia. This sensitivity is due to the inflammation of the meninges, which can cause a heightened response to sensory stimuli, such as light or sound. The symptoms of meningitis can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, soreness of the neck, severe headache, and neurological symptoms like confusion, memory deficits, and changes in mental state. In more severe cases, complications such as hearing loss may occur due to damage to the peripheral structures because of the nerves that pass through the meninges.

Answer 2

The terms used to document a sensitivity to light would most likely be Photosensitivity (photo means light). Another correct but less correct is a hypersensitivity to light.