What is a sign in a medical context?

In the medical context, a sign refers to a measurable or observable indication of a condition that can often be identified by healthcare professionals during an examination. Signs are objective findings that can be seen, heard, or measured, such as a rash, elevated blood pressure, or swelling. They are critical because they provide direct evidence regarding a patient's health status and can lead to a diagnosis.

In contrast, indications that only the patient can feel, such as pain or nausea, are considered symptoms rather than signs. The understanding of signs and symptoms is important for emergency medical dispatchers, as they must be able to differentiate between the two when gathering information from callers. Additionally, a condition that requires medication is not relevant when defining what constitutes a sign. A symptom description provided by the patient also focuses on subjective experiences rather than the objective observations that characterize a sign.