Subjective data

Definition

Subjective data refers to information provided by the patient about their personal experiences, feelings, and perceptions. It is not measurable and relies on the patient's own report.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subjective data includes symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or nausea that are reported by the patient.
2. This type of data is crucial for nurses to understand a patient's nutritional status and its impact on musculoskeletal and integumentary health.
3. Patients' dietary habits, allergies, and food preferences are examples of subjective data relevant to nutrition.
4. Gathering subjective data involves effective communication skills to elicit accurate information from patients.
5. Documenting subjective data accurately in the patient's medical record is essential for ongoing assessment and care planning.

Review Questions

• What are some examples of subjective data that a patient might report?
• Why is subjective data important in assessing nutritional impact on musculoskeletal and integumentary systems?
• How should a nurse document subjective data provided by a patient?

Related terms

Objective Data: Information that can be measured or observed directly by healthcare providers, such as vital signs or lab results.

Symptom: A feature that indicates a condition or disease, typically experienced and reported by the patient.

Assessment: The process of collecting both subjective and objective data to evaluate a patient's health status.