North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What is the primary characteristic of a symptom?

1. A measurable sign of a condition

2. A feeling experienced by the person

3. A visible effect of an illness

4. An observation made by a medical professional

The correct answer is: A feeling experienced by the person

The primary characteristic of a symptom is that it is a feeling experienced by the person. Symptoms are subjective experiences reported by an individual that indicate the presence of a medical condition or illness. This can include sensations such as pain, fatigue, or nausea, which cannot be directly observed by another person. They are crucial for diagnosing medical issues as they often guide healthcare professionals in understanding the patient's experience and the possible underlying condition. Other choices reflect different aspects of medical assessment. Measurable signs of a condition refer to objective indicators such as vital signs or lab results, while a visible effect of an illness pertains to signs that can be observed or measured by someone else. Lastly, observations made by a medical professional pertain to the diagnostic findings that are independent of the patient’s personal experience.