In the S, O, A, P framework, what does the O represent?

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

Answer: (B)

The O in SOAP notes stands for Objective data. This is information you can observe or measure, independent of the patient’s personal report. It includes vitals (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature), physical examination findings (lung sounds, abdominal tenderness, wound appearance), and results from tests or devices (lab values, imaging results, telemetry). These observations are factual and verifiable, forming the part of the note you can confirm or reproduce.

This is different from subjective data, which are the patient’s own statements about how they feel or what they’re experiencing (pain level, nausea, dizziness). The other sections—Assessment and Plan—use a synthesis of subjective and objective information to interpret the situation and outline next steps.