Principles of Health Informatics

SOAP notes include both subjective and objective information about a patient.

• True

• False

What is the purpose of medical documentation?

• To improve patient care and treatment planning

• To serve as legal protection for healthcare facilities and providers

• To assist with billing and insurance claims

• All of the above

Which of the following are characteristics of effective medical documentation? (Select all that apply)

• A. Clear and concise

• B. Includes excessive details to avoid errors

• C. Relevant to patient care

• D. Uses standardized formats like SOAP

• E. Including duplicate information

Which of the following belong in the Objective section of SOAP notes? (Select all that apply)

• A. Patient’s reported symptoms

• B. Vital signs

• C. Lab test results

• D. Physician’s diagnosis

• E. Imaging results

Fill in the missing information in the SOAP notes based on Maria Smith’s case. Maria Smith, a 28-year-old woman, visits her doctor complaining of a sore throat, fever, and

fatigue for the past three days. She also reports difficulty swallowing. Her vital signs show a

temperature of 101.3°F, a heart rate of 95 bpm, and swollen lymph nodes in her neck. The

doctor suspects a bacterial throat infection and orders a rapid strep test. While waiting for the

results, the doctor prescribes antibiotics and advises Maria to rest and drink plenty of fluids. A

follow-up is scheduled in five days.

• States she has difficulty swallowing.

• Plan

• Order a rapid strep test to confirm

• Assessment

• Temperature: 101.3°F, Heart rate: 95 bpm.

• Subjective

• Suspected bacterial throat infection

• Objective