Which of the following would be classified as a symptom?

• A. Rash
• B. Bleeding
• C. Swelling
• D. Nausea

Answer: (D)

Understanding the difference between symptoms and signs helps you know what the patient reports versus what you observe. A symptom is a subjective experience described by the patient, such as nausea, dizziness, or chest discomfort. A sign is an objective finding you can observe or measure, like a rash, bleeding, or swelling.

Nausea fits the definition of a symptom because the patient experiences and reports the feeling; it isn’t directly measurable by you without the patient’s input. Rash, bleeding, and swelling are all observable changes you can see or measure, making them signs.

In EMS assessment, focusing on symptoms first helps you understand the patient’s experience, while signs help confirm or clarify the situation through objective findings.