Which type of information is represented by the statement 'The patient reports pain in their leg' ?

Which type of information is represented by the statement 'The patient reports pain in their leg' ?

• A. Objective
• B. Subjective
• C. Both
• D. Neither

Answer: (B)

Subjective data consist of information the patient conveys about their own experience. The statement “The patient reports pain in their leg” reflects the patient’s personal sensation and perception, not something observed or measured by a clinician. Pain is a symptom, and even if a pain rating is used, that rating remains a subjective judgment. Objective information, by contrast, includes things you can observe or measure directly, such as visible swelling, redness, or a measured temperature. So this statement is an example of subjective information.

Subjective data consist of information the patient conveys about their own experience. The statement “The patient reports pain in their leg” reflects the patient’s personal sensation and perception, not something observed or measured by a clinician. Pain is a symptom, and even if a pain rating is used, that rating remains a subjective judgment. Objective information, by contrast, includes things you can observe or measure directly, such as visible swelling, redness, or a measured temperature. So this statement is an example of subjective information.