What does SOAP stand for?

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

Answer: (C)

SOAP notes follow a logical sequence that mirrors how you gather and act on information about a patient. Start with what the patient reports in their own words (Subjective). Then document what you can observe or measure through exam and tests (Objective). Next, record your clinical interpretation or diagnosis based on the gathered data (Assessment). Finally, lay out the plan: interventions, tests, medications, patient education, and follow-up (Plan). This order ensures the patient’s perspective is captured first, objective findings come next, your reasoning follows, and the concrete steps to take are clearly outlined.

The correct sequence is Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan because Assessment comes after Objective data and before Plan. Choices that place Plan before Assessment or mix up the order don’t align with how the documentation is typically structured.