Which of the following is considered a sign rather than a symptom?

A sign is an objective indication of a medical condition that can be observed or measured by someone other than the patient, such as a health professional. An open leg fracture is a visible and tangible condition that can be directly observed and assessed by a responder. It demonstrates evidence of injury that is not reliant on the patient's subjective report, making it a definitive sign of trauma.

In contrast, a headache, nausea, and chest pain are all symptoms — subjective experiences reported by the patient. These are sensations that only the individual experiencing them can fully understand and describe, and they cannot be directly evaluated through observation. The distinction between signs and symptoms is crucial in medical assessments, as recognizing objective signs helps responders make informed decisions regarding treatment and intervention.