During an assessment, a client who is not very talkative appears pale, diaphoretic, and restless in the bed, and says "leave me alone." Which subjective data should the nurse document?

Question

1. Restlessness
2. "Leave me alone"
3. Not talkative
4. Pale and diaphoretic

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Restlessness is observable so it is not subjective data.
Rationale 2: Subjective data can be described or verified only by that person and are apparent only to the person affected. Subjective data include the client's sensations, feelings, beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions of personal health status and life situations.
Rationale 3: Not being talkative is observable so it is not subjective data.
Rationale 4: Paleness with diaphoresis is observable so this is not subjective data.