What term is used to describe characteristics explained by patients about themselves?

The term that describes characteristics explained by patients about themselves is "symptoms." Symptoms are subjective experiences conveyed by the patient, which can include feelings, sensations, or changes in their health that may not be directly observable by the healthcare provider. Patients might report symptoms like pain, fatigue, nausea, or dizziness, which help inform the medical assessment and guide further evaluation and treatment.

In contrast, "signs" refer to objective findings that can be observed or measured by a healthcare provider, such as a rash, abnormal heart rate, or elevated temperature. "Conditions" typically refer to a specific health issue or disease that can be diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms and signs. "Diagnoses" are determinations made by healthcare professionals based on the assessment of the patient's symptoms and signs, possibly alongside diagnostic testing. Thus, understanding that symptoms are the personal experiences described by patients is essential for effective communication and treatment planning in emergency medical situations.