How is the subjective data different from the objective data?
The subjective data, also called symptoms, are the data that the client reports. They include feelings, perceptions and concerns. The client tells the nurse “I have pain in my leg.” This is subjective data. The nurse observes that the patient is avoiding walking on the leg and that the lower leg is swollen and red. These are objective data, also referred to as signs. The nurse can observe and measure signs. Each type of data is important to a comprehensive assessment.
