Which term refers to what the examiner finds during examination?

Which term refers to what the examiner finds during examination?

• A. Labs
• B. Symptoms
• C. Plan
• D. Signs

Answer: (D)

During an examination, the clinician notes objective findings—the signs. Signs are observable or measurable indicators, such as a fever, swelling, a heart murmur, or a rash, that the examiner can detect directly. This differs from symptoms, which are subjective experiences reported by the patient, like pain or fatigue. Labs refer to results from laboratory tests, and the plan is the intended course of treatment. Therefore, the term that refers to what the examiner finds during examination is signs.

During an examination, the clinician notes objective findings—the signs. Signs are observable or measurable indicators, such as a fever, swelling, a heart murmur, or a rash, that the examiner can detect directly. This differs from symptoms, which are subjective experiences reported by the patient, like pain or fatigue. Labs refer to results from laboratory tests, and the plan is the intended course of treatment. Therefore, the term that refers to what the examiner finds during examination is signs.