Which statement about physical medical assessment is true?

The statement about physical medical assessment that is true is that it collects holistic subjective and objective data. This involves gathering comprehensive information from the patient, including their reported experiences, feelings, and symptoms (subjective data), as well as measurable and observable facts obtained from physical examinations and tests (objective data). This holistic approach allows healthcare providers to understand the patient’s overall health status and needs better.

By incorporating both subjective and objective data, the assessment can address not only the physical condition of the patient but also psychological, social, and environmental factors that may influence their health. This comprehensive assessment is essential for developing an effective care plan tailored to the individual's unique situation.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the purpose or scope of physical medical assessment. Focusing solely on physical appearance, laboratory results, or excluding patient history would lead to an incomplete and potentially misleading understanding of the patient's health.