Where should a medical assistant document a patient's report of headaches while reading from a computer monitor using the SOAP approach?

In the SOAP approach to documentation, subjective information refers to what the patient reports about their symptoms and experiences. When a patient mentions having headaches specifically while reading from a computer monitor, this observation falls under subjective data because it is based on the patient's personal experience and perception rather than measurable or observable facts.

Subjective documentation captures the patient's feelings, thoughts, and symptoms as they describe them. This can include information like the intensity of the headache, frequency, triggers, and any other context the patient provides. By documenting this under subjective, the medical assistant ensures that the patient's concerns are recorded in a way that reflects their personal account, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

In contrast, the other components of SOAP focus on different aspects: objective data involves measurable facts or observations made by the medical assistant; assessment refers to the conclusions drawn based on subjective and objective data; and plan outlines the next steps for patient care. Therefore, placing the report of headaches under subjective accurately captures the patient's experience and informs the rest of the medical evaluation process.