Which statement is NOT an example of objective data?

• A. Blood pressure reading.
• B. Temperature measurement.
• C. The patient reports feeling nauseated.
• D. Serum potassium level.

Answer: (C)

Subjective versus objective data are about how information is obtained. Objective data are facts you can observe or measure with instruments—numbers or clear findings. Blood pressure readings, temperature measurements, and serum potassium levels all fit this because they produce verifiable values.

The statement where the patient says they feel nauseated is not objective data because it comes from the patient’s personal experience and cannot be independently measured without asking or confirming with the patient. It reflects the patient’s symptom report, which is subjective data. Both types are important, but this one is not something you can verify with a measurement alone.