Which statement best defines objective data in nursing assessment?

Which statement best defines objective data in nursing assessment?

• A. Subjective findings verbalized by the patient.
• B. A plan devised by the nurse.
• C. Observable and measurable information.
• D. A diagnosis made by the physician.

Answer: (C)

Objective data in nursing assessment are observable and measurable information that can be verified by another person. This includes things you can see, hear, feel, or measure with instruments—vital signs, physical findings like edema or crackles in the lungs, wound size, drainage, and lab values. It’s information that doesn’t depend on the patient’s personal description or feelings. This is why the statement describing observable and measurable information is the best fit. The other descriptions refer to subjective data (the patient's verbalized symptoms), a care plan (what the nurse plans to do), and a physician’s diagnosis (medical labeling), none of which are objective data collected through observation and measurement.

Objective data in nursing assessment are observable and measurable information that can be verified by another person. This includes things you can see, hear, feel, or measure with instruments—vital signs, physical findings like edema or crackles in the lungs, wound size, drainage, and lab values. It’s information that doesn’t depend on the patient’s personal description or feelings.

This is why the statement describing observable and measurable information is the best fit. The other descriptions refer to subjective data (the patient's verbalized symptoms), a care plan (what the nurse plans to do), and a physician’s diagnosis (medical labeling), none of which are objective data collected through observation and measurement.