What does the acronym SOAP stand for in a medical context?

The acronym SOAP stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. This framework is widely used in medical settings for documenting patient encounters and assessments.

"Subjective" refers to the information provided by the patient regarding their symptoms and experiences, reflecting their personal perspective. "Objective" encompasses the healthcare provider's observations, including physical exam findings, vital signs, and results from diagnostic tests. "Assessment" is the clinician’s interpretation of the subjective and objective findings, leading to a diagnosis or the clinical impression. Lastly, "Plan" outlines the proposed course of action for the patient's treatment, which may include further tests, medications, referrals, or follow-up appointments.

This structured approach aids in ensuring comprehensive patient care, as it clearly organizes the information necessary for continuity and effectiveness in managing a patient's health issues. Other options presented do not align with the standard meaning of the SOAP framework, thereby making the correct answer distinctly identifiable.