Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

What is an example of a subjective indication of a symptom?

1. Nausea

2. Temperature

3. Dizziness

4. Blood pressure

The correct answer is: Dizziness

In the context of symptoms, a subjective indication is one that is based on the personal experiences and feelings of the patient rather than observable or measurable data. Dizziness is considered a subjective symptom because it is reported by the individual experiencing it and cannot be directly measured by an observer. It's a sensation that varies from person to person, and its severity or impact is understood through the individual's description of their experience. In contrast, nausea is also a subjective symptom, but dizziness is often highlighted in clinical settings for its varying implications and the patient's perception. Temperature and blood pressure are objective indicators, as they can be measured with instruments and provide quantifiable data that do not depend on the patient's feelings. Thus, dizziness aptly illustrates the concept of a subjective symptom as it relies entirely on the patient’s perception and reporting of their sensations.