Which statement is an example of objective data?

Which statement is an example of objective data?

• A. I am hungry.
• B. I ate half my lunch.
• C. I feel very warm.
• D. I have the urge to urinate.

Answer: (B)

Distinguishing objective data from subjective data is the key idea. Objective data are observable, measurable facts you can verify, often through observation or instruments. Subjective data are sensations or feelings the patient reports and that can’t be confirmed without the patient’s input. The statement about eating half of the lunch describes a concrete action that can be observed or confirmed by others, so it is objective data. The other statements reflect personal experiences or sensations—hunger, warmth, and the urge to urinate—which the patient reports and therefore are subjective data.

Distinguishing objective data from subjective data is the key idea. Objective data are observable, measurable facts you can verify, often through observation or instruments. Subjective data are sensations or feelings the patient reports and that can’t be confirmed without the patient’s input.

The statement about eating half of the lunch describes a concrete action that can be observed or confirmed by others, so it is objective data. The other statements reflect personal experiences or sensations—hunger, warmth, and the urge to urinate—which the patient reports and therefore are subjective data.