What is the difference between Subjective Data and Objective Data?

During the interview process, a healthcare provider will ask for information about the underlying condition. There are two types of data that can be obtained: Subjective Data and Objective Data.

Subjective Data is information given by the patient that is based around feelings and perception. This data cannot be readily assessed to find the source. Things like feeling cold or feeling pain is considered Subjective Data because the healthcare provider cannot find the source without having to run tests to determine the actual cause.

Objective Data is information given by the patient or assessed by the healthcare provider that can be readily confirmed. This are data is unbiased and based on fact and can be confirmed based on observation. Examples of confirmation by observation would be a cut or a fever of 102 degrees F. A cut can be confirmed by observing the location, size and pattern on the skin. A fever of 102 degrees F can be confirmed by using a thermometer to find the temperature.

If a patient says they feel like they have a fever, it is Subjective Data.
When a healthcare provider gives the patient a thermometer to find the body temperature, it is Objective Data.