Information gathered regarding what a patient states or perceives is called

• A. Objective data
• B. Subjective data
• C. Planning phase
• D. Chief complaint

Answer: (B)

Subjective data are the information a patient reports or perceives. When you ask the patient how they feel, what symptoms they notice, or what their pain level is, you are collecting subjective data. These are not directly measurable and rely on the patient’s own description. In contrast, objective data are observable and measurable—vital signs, physical findings, lab results. In pharmacology, subjective data capture the patient’s experience with a medication (reported side effects, allergies, perceived effects), while objective data help confirm safety and therapeutic response. The planning phase involves setting goals and interventions, and the chief complaint is the main reason they sought care, not the data type itself.