Which of the following statements is accurate about facts and opinions?

• A. Facts are unverifiable beliefs.
• B. Opinions can be verified with data.
• C. Facts are verifiable information based on observable data; opinions are personal beliefs.
• D. Both are interchangeable in clinical notes.

Answer: (C)

Distinguishing facts from opinions is essential in clinical documentation. Facts are verifiable information drawn from what can be observed or measured—such as a patient’s vital signs, test results, or times and dates. These are objective data that others can confirm. Opinions are personal beliefs, interpretations, or judgments about a patient that go beyond what is directly observable—like stating a patient is nonadherent or appears anxious—unless there is clear supporting evidence. In notes, labeling something as an opinion helps keep documentation accurate and reduces bias.

The statement that facts are verifiable information based on observable data and opinions are personal beliefs captures this difference precisely. The other choices miss this distinction: facts aren’t unverifiable beliefs, opinions aren’t themselves verifiable in the general sense, and facts and opinions aren’t interchangeable in clinical notes because mixing them can distort accuracy and accountability.