When recording patient symptoms, what does "c/o headache" mean?

The phrase "c/o headache" stands for "complains of headache." This terminology is commonly used in medical documentation to succinctly indicate that a patient has reported experiencing a headache. Accurate documentation is crucial in healthcare, as it helps convey important information about a patient's condition to other members of the care team. By using the shorthand "c/o," healthcare professionals can efficiently record patient concerns, which is vital for ensuring appropriate assessment and treatment.

The other options do not align with standard medical terminology. "Complications of headache" would imply a secondary issue arising from a headache, which is not what "c/o" conveys. "Cause of headache" refers to the underlying reason for the headache but does not capture the patient's subjective reporting of symptoms. Similarly, "care of headache" would imply measures taken to treat the headache rather than the patient's own expression of discomfort. Thus, understanding that "c/o" is about the patient's complaints helps highlight the importance of listening to and accurately documenting their experiences.