Which of the following are examples of subjective data? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. A patient has an offensive body odor.
b. A patient complains of feeling stressed.
c. A patient complains of feeling anxious.
d. A patient complains of substernal chest pain.
e. A patient falls when ambulating to the bathroom.
f. A patient states, "I feel a sense of impending doom."

Answer 1

ANS: B, C, D, F
Subjective information is based on the patient's opinion. Some refer to subjective information as symptoms. This usually includes feelings of physical discomfort, anxiety, and mental stress that are more difficult to measure. The nurse cannot experience subjective symptoms. Objective information includes data that the nurse can verify; these are also known as signs. A physical assessment provides objective data. The terms check, observe, monitor, weigh, measure, and smell are cues that this may be objective data collection. Obtaining initial data, such as vital signs, height, and weight, is often assigned to the LPN/LVN. Objective information helps support or cast doubt on subjective information. The patients' statement and complaints are the only options that are subjective. The remaining options are examples of objective data.