Which of the following describes subjective data?

• A. Subjective data are measurable scores assigned by clinicians
• B. Objective data are patient-reported symptoms
• C. Subjective data are what the patient reports
• D. Objective data are measured, observed data

Answer: (C)

Subjective data are the information the patient provides about their own experiences, symptoms, and feelings. This includes what the patient says about pain, fatigue, dizziness, or how severe a symptom seems. Because it reflects the patient’s personal perception and cannot be independently measured or verified by a device, it is considered subjective.

The idea that subjective data come from the patient’s report fits this concept exactly. In contrast, objective data are the measurable, observable facts obtained through examination, tests, or measurements—things like fever readings, blood pressure, auscultated findings, or lab results. While objective data are real and important, they do not describe the patient’s subjective experience.