Comparing Subjective and Objective Data
| Subjective | Objective | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Data elicited and verified by the client | Data directly or indirectly observed through measurement |
| Sources | Client Family and significant others Client record Other health care professionals | Observations and physical assessment findings of the nurse or other health care professionals Documentation of assessments made in client record Observations made by the client’s family or significant others |
| Methods used to obtain data | Client interview | Observation and physical examination |
| Skills needed to obtain data | Interview and therapeutic communication skills Caring ability and empathy Listening skills | Inspection Palpation Percussion Auscultation |
| Examples | "I have a headache" "It frightens me" "I am not hungry" | Respirations 16 per minute Blood pressure 180/100, apical pulse 80 and irregular X-ray film reveals fractured pelvis |