What it means
Facts that someone else could see or measure in the same way: a temperature of 38.5 °C, a wound 3 cm long, crackles in the lungs, a potassium of 3.1 mEq/L. Subjective data are what the client says, such as pain or nausea. Both are collected during assessment.
For the nurse
Chart objective data in exact, measurable terms ("ate 25% of breakfast"), not opinions ("ate poorly").
In a chart
"Objective: T 38.4 °C, RR 24, SpO2 91% on RA, crackles right base."
Related terms
assess
To gather information about a client by looking, listening, asking, measuring and examining.
complains of
A charting phrase meaning the client tells the nurse about a symptom or problem.
validate
To check that information is correct; in communication, to show a person that their feelings are understood and accepted.