Which term best describes a physical examination finding that the doctor noted?

The term that best describes a physical examination finding noted by the doctor is "Objective." This is because objective findings are those that can be observed, measured, or quantified by the healthcare provider. They are verifiable through physical examination, diagnostic tests, and other observable data. For instance, a doctor may note the range of motion in a joint, swelling, or other visible symptoms that can be documented in the patient's record.

In contrast, subjective findings are based on the patient's personal experience and cannot be independently verified by the clinician. These typically include complaints, sensations, or symptoms reported by the patient, such as pain levels or fatigue, which rely on the individual's subjective report.

Diagnostic findings refer to conclusions drawn from the examination or tests but do not specifically highlight the actual physical examination findings themselves. Presumptive findings generally indicate assumptions made based on various signs or symptoms without conclusive evidence, which doesn't apply to straightforward physical examination observations. Therefore, "Objective" is the most appropriate term for physical examination findings.