Definition To engage in effective symptom management it is essential for everyone involved—patients, nurses, physicians, family members—to have a clear definition of the symptoms that are going to help the patient manage. By gaining agreement on the definition of the symptom there is greater potential that there will also be agreement on the desired outcome.Symptoms are subjective experiences of an individual, such as feelings or sensations that indicate to that individual, a characteristic or condition that is a departure from their normal functioning, sensations or appearance. Because symptoms are subjective experiences of an individual they are not directly observable by another person (Rhodes & McDaniel, 1996). Symptoms and their dimensions, such as occurrence and intensity, can only be verified by the person experiencing the symptom. Symptoms cannot be observed, perceived or verified by other persons. Symptoms may or may not be related specifically to a medical problem. It is critically important to remember that the symptom belongs to the person.