Which data type reflects patient-reported symptoms such as pain?

• A. Objective data
• B. Subjective data
• C. Core data
• D. Measurable data

Answer: (B)

Data that reflects patient-reported symptoms like pain is subjective data. This category covers experiences described by the patient that cannot be directly observed or measured by someone else, such as pain level, nausea, or dizziness. Pain, in particular, is inherently personal and best captured through the patient’s own words and a self-reported intensity scale (for example, 0 to 10). In contrast, objective data are what you can observe or measure without the patient’s input—things like vital signs, fever, or lab results. While terms like measurable data relate to quantifiable findings, the symptom of pain remains a subjective report, guiding how you assess and manage comfort and analgesia.