Which is an example of a subjective symptom?

• A. The patient reports dizziness
• B. A rash observed on the skin
• C. A measured temperature
• D. A lab value

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is understanding the difference between subjective symptoms and objective signs. A subjective symptom is something the patient experiences and reports, not something you can measure or observe directly with a tool.

Dizziness is a subjective symptom because it comes from the patient’s own description of how they feel. No instrument can measure “dizziness” itself—the clinician relies on the patient’s report to understand this feeling.

In contrast, a rash is a sign you can observe, a measurable temperature is obtained with a thermometer, and a lab value comes from testing. These are objective data you can verify independently of the patient’s description.

So, the patient reporting dizziness best fits a subjective symptom.