Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following MOST qualifies as a chief complaint?

1. Current medications

2. Munson's sign

3. Eye fatigue

4. Exophoria

The correct answer is: Eye fatigue

The chief complaint represents the primary reason a patient is seeking medical attention, which is typically expressed in their own words. In this context, eye fatigue stands out as the most relevant chief complaint because it directly reflects the patient's experience and discomfort concerning their vision or ocular health. Patients often report such symptoms when they visit an eye care professional, indicating a problem they want to address. While the other options may be important pieces of information in the overall assessment of a patient's eye health, they do not encapsulate the subjective experience or primary issue that motivates a patient to seek care. Current medications provide background data but do not indicate the primary concern. Munson's sign is a clinical finding associated with specific conditions but does not convey what the patient is feeling. Exophoria, a type of eye misalignment, is a diagnosis rather than a complaint expressed by the patient. Therefore, eye fatigue best captures the essence of what the patient is experiencing and looking to resolve, making it the most fitting option for a chief complaint.