NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamEMS OperationsMedium
An EMT is documenting a patient encounter. The patient states, 'My chest pain feels like an elephant sitting on my chest.' The EMT records this exact statement in the patient care report. This type of documentation is an example of:
- AAssessment finding
- BObjective finding
- CDiagnostic finding
- DSubjective finding
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Subjective finding
A subjective finding is information reported by the patient or others that cannot be directly observed or measured by the EMT, such as symptoms or feelings. The patient's exact quote about their chest pain is a classic example.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Assessment finding is a broader term that can include both objective and subjective data, but 'subjective' is more specific for this example.
- B. Objective findings are observable and measurable (e.g., blood pressure, rash).
- C. Diagnostic findings are determined by medical professionals, often involving tests, not by the EMT's direct observation or patient's statement.
Subjective vs. Objective Data
Subjective data are symptoms reported by the patient, while objective data are signs observed or measured by the EMT.
- Subjective: 'Patient states...' or 'Patient complains of...'
- Objective: 'Patient's skin is pale and clammy,' 'BP 120/80.'
- Both are crucial for a complete patient assessment and documentation.
Memory trick: Subjective Speaks, Objective Observes