In SOAP notes, which section contains the patient's own reports of symptoms and feelings?

In SOAP notes, which section contains the patient's own reports of symptoms and feelings?

• A. Subjective
• B. Objective
• C. Assessment
• D. Plan

Answer: (A)

The main concept is that the patient’s own reports of symptoms and feelings belong in the subjective portion. This section captures what the patient tells you— descriptions of pain, mood, functional limitations, concerns, and other experiences in the patient’s own words. It reflects the experiential side of the visit, not what was measured or observed. The objective portion holds measurable findings like exam results and lab data, the assessment is the clinician’s diagnosis or conclusion based on all data, and the plan outlines treatment steps and follow-up. Recognizing where the patient’s narrative fits helps preserve the patient’s perspective and supports accurate diagnosis and care.

The main concept is that the patient’s own reports of symptoms and feelings belong in the subjective portion. This section captures what the patient tells you— descriptions of pain, mood, functional limitations, concerns, and other experiences in the patient’s own words. It reflects the experiential side of the visit, not what was measured or observed. The objective portion holds measurable findings like exam results and lab data, the assessment is the clinician’s diagnosis or conclusion based on all data, and the plan outlines treatment steps and follow-up. Recognizing where the patient’s narrative fits helps preserve the patient’s perspective and supports accurate diagnosis and care.