Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Which history taking category would not typically be pertinent when interviewing a patient with a chief complaint of headaches?

1. Duration

2. Cause

3. Date

4. Ethnicity

The correct answer is: Ethnicity

When interviewing a patient with a chief complaint of headaches, it is important to gather information that helps in understanding the nature and potential causes of the headaches. The patient's ethnicity, listed in option D, is generally not a pertinent factor when investigating headaches unless there is a specific type of headache that is known to be more prevalent in certain ethnic groups. Options A, B, and C are all relevant when assessing a patient with headaches. Duration (option A) helps to understand how long the headaches last, which can aid in differentiating different types of headaches. Cause (option B) is essential to identify potential triggers or underlying conditions leading to the headaches. Date (option C) helps in determining the frequency and pattern of the headaches, which can be crucial for diagnosis and management. Therefore, in the context of a patient presenting with headaches, the patient's ethnicity (option D) is typically less relevant compared to the other listed categories.