In a patient progress note, which item is objective data?

In a patient progress note, which item is objective data?

• A. The patient reports dizziness
• B. The patient states they feel dizzy
• C. Blood pressure is 140/90
• D. The patient feels nauseated

Answer: (C)

In a progress note, the key distinction is between objective data and subjective data. Objective data are observable or measurable facts you can verify, such as numbers, measurements, or exam findings. Subjective data are what the patient reports about how they feel or what they perceive, such as dizziness or nausea. A blood pressure reading is objective because it’s a numeric value obtained with a device and can be verified by measurement. The other statements describe sensations reported by the patient, which are subjective. So the measured blood pressure is the best example of objective data.

In a progress note, the key distinction is between objective data and subjective data. Objective data are observable or measurable facts you can verify, such as numbers, measurements, or exam findings. Subjective data are what the patient reports about how they feel or what they perceive, such as dizziness or nausea.

A blood pressure reading is objective because it’s a numeric value obtained with a device and can be verified by measurement. The other statements describe sensations reported by the patient, which are subjective. So the measured blood pressure is the best example of objective data.