Question

the _____ method of charting describes a patient's condition by the use of four letters. the letters describe a patient says, what the medical personnel see, an evaluation of the problem, and a directive for care

Answer 1

The SOAP method of charting uses four letters (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) to describe a patient's condition, from personal accounts to professional evaluations and treatment plans.

Step-by-step explanation:

The method of charting that describes a patient's condition using four letters is known as the SOAP method. The letters in SOAP stand for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. This method helps in organizing medical records and facilitating effective communication among healthcare providers.

Subjective (S) refers to what the patient says about their condition, providing a narrative or personal account of their symptoms and experiences. The Objective (O) component covers what the medical staff observes and measures, such as vital signs, examination findings, and lab results. Assessment (A) indicates the healthcare professional's evaluation or diagnosis of the issue based on the subjective and objective information gathered. Lastly, Plan (P) outlines the course of action or treatment that the care providers will follow.

For instance, when discussing a patient's abdominal pain, medical staff might use the SOAP method in conjunction with anatomical references, such as abdominal quadrants, to pinpoint the issue and form a treatment plan.