Which term describes an objective finding observed by the clinician?

Which term describes an objective finding observed by the clinician?

• A. Sign
• B. Symptom
• C. Diagnosis
• D. Assessment

Answer: (A)

An objective finding observed by the clinician is called a sign. Signs are observable or measurable things you can detect during an examination, independent of the patient’s description—for example, a fever, abnormal heart sounds, swelling, or a rash. Symptoms are the patient’s subjective experiences, like pain or dizziness, which come from the patient’s report. A diagnosis is the clinician’s determination of what condition explains the signs and symptoms, and an assessment is the overall evaluation or plan based on the patient’s health status.

An objective finding observed by the clinician is called a sign. Signs are observable or measurable things you can detect during an examination, independent of the patient’s description—for example, a fever, abnormal heart sounds, swelling, or a rash. Symptoms are the patient’s subjective experiences, like pain or dizziness, which come from the patient’s report. A diagnosis is the clinician’s determination of what condition explains the signs and symptoms, and an assessment is the overall evaluation or plan based on the patient’s health status.