Final answer:
The SOAP method of medical record keeping stands for Subjective, Objective, Analytical, and Plan. It is a structured format used by healthcare professionals to document patient encounters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The SOAP method of medical record keeping stands for Subjective, Objective, Analytical, and Plan. The SOAP note is a structured format used by healthcare professionals to document patient encounters. The subjective section includes the patient's chief complaint and their personal history, while the objective section includes observable, measurable data such as vital signs and test results. The analytical section involves the healthcare professional's assessment of the patient's condition, and the plan section outlines the recommended course of action.