Which of the following is an example of an objective sign?

• A. Pain Described by Patient
• B. Dizziness Reported by Patient
• C. Visible Swelling
• D. Tingling Reported by Patient

Answer: (C)

Objective signs are findings you can observe or measure during a physical exam, independent of what the patient reports. Visible swelling fits this because it’s something a clinician can see and often quantify (for example, by inspection, palpation, or measuring limb circumference). The other options are patient-reported experiences, which are signs or symptoms described by the patient rather than observed or measured by the clinician. Pain described by the patient, dizziness reported by the patient, and tingling reported by the patient are all subjective experiences that rely on the patient’s description. Therefore, visible swelling is the example of an objective sign.