What is the Review of Systems?

• A. Subjective; Screens major systems; Guides test selection; Identifies need for referral
• B. Objective; Measures range of motion
• C. It is a lab test
• D. It is a diagnostic imaging protocol

Answer: (A)

The Review of Systems is a subjective interview step where you ask the patient about symptoms across different body systems. It screens major areas to uncover issues the patient might not mention on their own and helps decide what tests or referrals might be needed. Because it’s based on the patient’s own reports rather than measurements taken by the clinician, it’s not an objective finding like a lab value or a physical measurement. It’s not a lab test or an imaging protocol either. By systematically eliciting symptoms, the ROS guides the clinician on where to focus next and whether further evaluation or specialist referral is warranted.