HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What are subjective symptoms?

1. Conditions observed by clinicians

2. Conditions experienced and described by the patient

3. Conditions measured by diagnostic tests

4. Conditions that require immediate attention

The correct answer is: Conditions experienced and described by the patient

Subjective symptoms refer to the conditions that are experienced and reported by the patient. These symptoms are not directly observable by others, such as clinicians or diagnostic tests, and are based solely on the patient's personal experience and description of their feelings or sensations. For example, symptoms like pain, fatigue, or anxiety can only be known through the patient's account, making them subjective in nature. In contrast, observable conditions or those measured through diagnostic tests would be classified differently. Additionally, symptoms that require immediate attention may be more about urgency rather than the subjective nature of the symptom itself, which focuses on the individual’s perception and narration of their health status. Therefore, the essence of subjective symptoms lies in their reliance on the patient's perspective, making the selected answer accurate.