Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) — Question 122

Using the SOAP style of documenting progress notes, choose the "subjective" statement from the following.

Answer options

• A. sciatica unimproved with hot pack therapy
• B. patient moving about very cautiously, appears to be in pain
• C. adjust pain medication; begin physical therapy tomorrow
• D. patient states low back pain is as severe as it was on admission

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer, D, captures the patient's own description of their pain, which is a subjective statement. Options A and B are more objective observations made by the clinician, while C is a plan of action rather than a subjective experience.