HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which term describes symptoms that are directly reported by the patient?

1. Clinical signs

2. Clinical symptoms

3. Objective findings

4. Subjective findings

The correct answer is: Clinical symptoms

The term that describes symptoms that are directly reported by the patient is "subjective findings." When patients describe their experiences, such as pain, fatigue, or discomfort, they are sharing personal sensations and perceptions that cannot be directly measured or observed by a healthcare provider. This information is crucial for understanding the patient's condition, guiding diagnosis, and determining appropriate treatment. In contrast, clinical signs typically refer to observable or measurable indicators of a condition, such as swelling or abnormal test results, which can be objectively assessed by a healthcare provider. Objective findings are those that can be seen or measured during an examination. While clinical symptoms may also relate to a patient’s experience, the term "subjective findings" specifically encompasses the personal, reported experiences of the patient, highlighting the importance of their perspective in the clinical setting.