Which of the following is an example of a sign?

• A. Pale, clammy skin
• B. Chest pain described as pressure
• C. Nausea
• D. Dizziness reported by patient

Answer: (A)

In clinical assessment, signs are objective findings you can observe or measure, while symptoms are subjective experiences reported by the patient. Pale, clammy skin fits as a sign because it’s something you can directly notice and assess on examination—the skin appears pale and feels cool and sweaty to the touch, indicating possible poor perfusion or shock. The other options are symptoms: chest pain described as pressure, nausea, and dizziness reported by the patient are experiences the patient communicates rather than observable findings. Recognizing signs like pale, clammy skin helps you gauge perfusion status and prioritize immediate care.