Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

During a physical examination, a continual ache in the right elbow is what type of information?

1. Functional problem

2. Objective finding

3. Sign

4. Symptom

The correct answer is: Symptom

A continual ache in the right elbow is categorized as a symptom because it is a subjective experience reported by the patient. Symptoms are sensations or feelings that a patient describes during an examination and cannot be measured directly by a healthcare provider. They often indicate an underlying issue but rely on the patient's experience for identification. In contrast, objective findings and signs are factors that a medical professional can observe or measure during the examination. These include physical examination findings, such as swelling or redness, which are visible and quantifiable. A functional problem typically refers to how well a patient can perform certain activities, which may or may not relate directly to the sensation of pain experienced in the elbow. Therefore, focusing on the patient’s description of the pain clarifies its classification as a symptom.