In a SOAP note, which component records the patient's subjective symptoms and history?

• A. Objective
• B. Subjective
• C. Assessment
• D. Plan

Answer: (B)

The component that records the patient's subjective symptoms and history is the Subjective section. This is where you capture what the patient reports in their own words—current symptoms, onset, duration, intensity, what aggravates or relieves them, and relevant medical, surgical, medication, allergy, family, and social history. Documenting this voice preserves the patient’s perspective before any measurements or clinical judgments are added. The other sections perform different roles: Objective holds what you observe and measure (vital signs, exam findings, test results), Assessment provides your clinical interpretation or diagnosis, and Plan outlines the treatment steps and follow-up.