Which data are considered objective data?

• A. Vital signs and lab results
• B. Patient-reported symptoms
• C. Perceived pain level
• D. Feelings

Answer: (A)

Objective data are measurements and observations that can be verified through instruments or independent observation. Vital signs (like temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate) and laboratory results are obtained with equipment and yield numbers or findings that can be reproduced and confirmed, making them objective. In contrast, patient-reported symptoms, perceived pain level, and feelings come from the patient’s personal experience and interpretation, so they are inherently subjective and rely on individual perception. Both types are important in assessment, but objective data provide verifiable, measurable indicators of physical status.