Question

A patient with a history of migraine headaches reports that light makes her "head hurt worse." How does the nurse document this subjective finding?

A) Patient reports photophobia
B) Patient reports phonophobia
C) Patient reports vertigo
D) Patient reports diplopia

Answer 1

The nurse should document the patient's increased headache pain in response to light as 'Patient reports photophobia.' This is because photophobia denotes a heightened sensitivity to light, a symptom commonly associated with migraines.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient reporting that light exacerbates her headache symptoms is experiencing photophobia, a common symptom associated with migraine headaches. Therefore, the nurse should document this subjective finding as: A) Patient reports photophobia.

Migraines are not only severe headaches but also involve symptoms like nausea, disturbed vision, and increased sensitivity to stimuli such as light or sound. The term 'photophobia' specifically refers to a heightened sensitivity to light, which often accompanies migraine attacks. By contrast, phonophobia is sensitive to sound, vertigo refers to a sense of spinning or dizziness, and diplopia means double vision. Documenting symptoms accurately is crucial for diagnosing and tailoring appropriate treatment for the patient.