What is the difference between objective and subjective data in care documentation?

• A. Subjective data are measurable observations; objective data are the client’s reports and feelings.
• B. Objective data are measurable observations; subjective data are the client’s reports and feelings.
• C. Both are the same.
• D. Only lab data counts.

Answer: (B)

The difference hinges on where the information comes from. Objective data are measurable observations—things you can see, hear, feel with tools, or measure with equipment. Examples include vital signs, lab results, imaging findings, wound appearance, and urine output. Subjective data are reports from the client about their own experiences, symptoms, or feelings—pain level, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, or anxiety.

So the correct statement reflects that objective data are the measurable parts of the record, while subjective data are the client’s reports and feelings. The other ideas mix up who provides the information or how it’s obtained (for example, claiming subjective data are measurable or that both data types are the same, or that only lab data count), which doesn’t align with how care documentation is structured.