When assessing an adolescent to determine the chief complaint, what is essential?

• A. Interview the adolescent to identify which symptom prompted them to seek help.
• B. Interview the parent only.
• C. Review the chart.
• D. Rely on previous notes.

Answer: (A)

Focusing on the adolescent’s own report of what brought them in is essential. The chief complaint is the symptom or problem the patient identifies as the reason for seeking care, and the adolescent is the best source for understanding what they’re experiencing, when it started, how it’s affecting daily life, and how bothersome it feels. Talking directly with the adolescent first helps you capture their perspective in their own words, which is especially important for symptoms that parents may not easily observe or may underreport, such as mood changes, fatigue, pain in a way that’s meaningful to them, or concerns about safety. Chart review and prior notes are useful for background and context, but they don’t replace the current, patient-identified concern. While input from parents adds another viewpoint, the presenting problem should be established primarily from the adolescent’s report to ensure you address the right issue and can assess any safety concerns early.