Which data type is information that is observed rather than reported by the patient?

• A. Subjective data
• B. Hearing loss communication
• C. Objective data
• D. Cosmetic surgery

Answer: (C)

In health assessment, data are classified as subjective or objective. Objective data are observable or measurable facts that you can verify with your senses or instruments—things like a fever, rash, swelling, or a measured blood pressure. Subjective data come from the patient’s own report of their symptoms and feelings, such as pain intensity or dizziness. The information described as being observed rather than reported by the patient is objective data because it’s something you can see or measure, not something the patient says about how they feel. The other ideas refer to the patient’s personal descriptions or unrelated concepts, not data types.