Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

Which section of the SOAP note includes vital signs and lab results?

1. S - Subjective

2. O - Objective

3. A - Assessment

4. P - Plan

The correct answer is: O - Objective

The section of the SOAP note that encompasses vital signs and lab results is the Objective section. This part of the note is dedicated to the observable and measurable data collected during a patient encounter. Vital signs such as temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure are critical pieces of information that quantify the patient's current physical condition. Additionally, lab results provide objective data that clinicians analyze to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning. Since the Objective section focuses on tangible evidence, including diagnostic imaging and findings from physical examinations, it is the appropriate context for vital signs and lab results, differentiating it from the Subjective section, which contains the patient's personal experiences and symptoms, and the Assessment and Plan sections, which involve the clinician's conclusions and future strategies in patient care.