Subjective data nursing examples

When it comes to nursing, understanding the difference between subjective vs objective data can be critical in taking note of the situation and dealing with it at utmost efficacy. As healthcare professionals, it can be easy to just look at the numbers: lab values, vitals, and tests and then feel comfortable making a judgment on the patient’s current state. Doing this, however, would fail to take into consideration any of the subjective data that the patient may be able to offer, such as how they are actually feeling, what happened, or any other additional problems or symptoms that they are experiencing.

With this in mind, we’re going to define subjective data as well as objective data so that you are capable of differentiating between the two. Believe it or not, discerning the difference between subjective and objective data is quite simple, we just make it more complicated when we overthink it! So, without further ado, let’s learn about the differences between subjective vs objective data!

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What is Objective Data

Objective Data is the physical data we can observe using our senses. Objective findings come in either a measurement or a direct observation. Objective data cannot be argued, as it is measured and observed through vitals, tests, and physical exams. Objective data is often easier for many to discern, as there is no gray area, which makes it a simpler concept for many nurses and students to grasp.

Here are some Examples of Objective Data Findings:

  • Heart rate
  • Blood pressure
  • Body temperature
  • Height
  • Weight
  • General Appearance
  • Levels of consciousness

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What is Subjective Data

In medicine, a general rule of thumb is that a symptom is subjective, while a sign is objective. Subjective data is going to be information that you receive from the patient or from one of his or her knowledgeable companions. Subjective data is what you are able to pull from the patient such as how they are feeling, what their symptoms are, or what their current concerns are.  This subjective data sometimes takes a backseat to the objective data vitals and numbers, but listening to the patient and getting all the subjective data in their current condition can help you get a full read on the situation and the patient’s story.

One of the most important pieces of subjective data is pain. When a patient comes with symptoms of pain, you know that this pain needs to be addressed, even if there is no objective way to quantify the amount of pain.

Here are some Examples of Subjective Data Findings:

  • Pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Exhaustion
  • Itching
  • Coughing
  • Vomiting

Read through more examples here.

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Examples of Objective and Subjective Data Occurring Concurrently:

To help you understand the differences between subjective vs. objective data, it can help to see situations where they can occur at the same time. Each of these examples include subjective data of the patient telling the nurse about his or her symptoms while the nurse is observing the objective data signs that these symptoms are currently taking place. Let’s look at these examples to make this more clear:

  1. A patient says he has a fever and the nurse reads a high temperature on the thermometer
  2. A patient complains of nausea and the nurse observes her vomiting into the trash can
  3. A patient complains of shakiness and the nurse can see his hands shaking

Each of these examples show the nurse observing objective data that is closely related to the symptoms, or subjective data, that the patient is saying he or she is experiencing. Read through more examples here. 

Why Subjective vs Objective Data is Important for Passing the NCLEX

When taking the NCLEX exam, you will be tested to demonstrate your knowledge and skills of health screening. This can include performing a health history, health, and risk assessment. This includes both the symptoms a patient says they are currently experiencing as well as the empirical objective data that can be measured by the 5 senses. For more on the NCLEX, start here. 

Hopefully you’ve learned a bit on how to differentiate subjective vs objective data and you understand the need for observing the patient as well as listening to his or her story and symptoms to paint the best picture of the patient’s current state. Don’t make the mistake of relying too much on numbers, as every patient deserves a nurse to listen to their story and take in the full picture.

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What is a subjective data in nursing?

Subjective nursing data are collected from sources other than the nurse's observations. This type of data represents the patient's perceptions, feelings, or concerns as obtained through the nursing interview. The patient is considered the primary source of subjective data.

What is objective and subjective data in nursing?

Subjective data are information from the client's point of view (“symptoms”), including feelings, perceptions, and concerns obtained through interviews. Objective data are observable and measurable data (“signs”) obtained through observation, physical examination, and laboratory and diagnostic testing.

What is subjective data in healthcare?

Subjective data is information obtained from the patient and/or family members and can provide important cues about functioning and unmet needs requiring assistance. Subjective data is considered a symptom because it is something the patient reports.

What is an example of a subjective assessment?

Some examples of subjective assessment questions include asking students to: Respond with short answers. Craft their answers in the form of an essay. Define a term, concept, or significant event.