Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

In which section of the SOAP documentation method does a patient's complaint of a headache belong?

1. Subjective.

2. Objective.

3. Assessment.

4. Plan.

The correct answer is: Subjective.

The patient's complaint of a headache belongs in the Subjective section of SOAP documentation because this section is dedicated to information that comes directly from the patient's personal experience and perspective. Subjective data includes symptoms, feelings, and perceptions that the patient reports, which cannot be measured or observed directly by the healthcare provider. In this case, a headache is a symptom reported by the patient and reflects their individual experience, making it subjective in nature. It is important for nurses and healthcare providers to document these subjective complaints accurately, as they inform the overall assessment of the patient’s condition and guide the planning and delivery of care. This contrasts with the other sections, where objective data consists of measurable signs (like vital signs or physical exam findings), the assessment formulates a diagnostic impression based on the subjective and objective data, and the plan outlines the proposed interventions or treatment strategies.