Which of the following is considered objective data?

Choice A reason: A patient's self-report of pain, even when using a standardized 0 to 10 scale, remains subjective data. Pain is a personal, sensory experience that cannot be independently verified or measured by an observer. Because the value originates from the patient's internal perception and communication, it is classified as a symptom rather than an objective clinical sign. Choice B reason: Objective data consists of observable and measurable information obtained through physical examination, laboratory results, or diagnostic equipment. A blood pressure reading of 160/92 mmHg is an empirical measurement that can be validated by any trained clinician using a sphygmomanometer. It provides a concrete, quantifiable sign of the patient's physiological state at a specific point in time. Choice C reason: A report of feeling anxious is a subjective statement regarding the patient's emotional and psychological state. While a nurse might observe objective correlates of anxiety, such as tachycardia or diaphoresis, the feeling itself is internal to the patient. To be objective, the nurse would need to document observed behaviors rather than the patient's self-reported feelings. Choice D reason: Dizziness is a subjective sensation described by the patient, often categorized as a symptom. It cannot be seen or measured directly by the healthcare provider. If the patient were to experience a measurable loss of balance during a Romberg test, that observation would be objective, but the verbal report of "feeling dizzy" remains strictly subjective.