NursingSprint

✔️ This is considered primary objective data because it involves a specific, measurable physiological value — the temperature — even though it is self-reported.

✔️ While typically, objective data are collected directly by the nurse (e.g., via thermometer), if a client provides a quantitative and verifiable value, it can be categorized as objective, especially if it's documented or measured by a reliable device.

✔️ The exact numeric nature (e.g., “88.8°F”) makes it more verifiable and useful for comparison with standard clinical ranges.

✔️ This data can directly inform clinical decisions, such as assessing for hypothermia, and guides nursing interventions and monitoring.

✔️ Nurses can follow up by confirming the value and identifying potential factors affecting thermoregulation, especially in older adults or medication interactions.

Educational Insight:

In nursing, objective data are observable and measurable findings — vital signs, lab results, or physical assessments. While subjective data reflect a client’s feelings or experiences (e.g., pain, nausea), objective data like “88.8°F” can be independently verified, making them key to nursing diagnoses and outcomes evaluation.

Incorrect Options:

“A. The patient reports a sore throat after taking his regular medications”

⯈ This is subjective data because it reflects the patient’s personal sensation or complaint, which cannot be directly observed or measured by the nurse.

“B. The patient's daughter states her father often forgets to take his medication”

⯈ This is secondary subjective data — it’s reported by someone other than the patient and reflects a perception or interpretation, not an observable fact confirmed by the nurse.

“C. The patient states he feels dizzy whenever he takes his medication”

⯈ “Feeling dizzy” is a subjective experience — although it may prompt further objective assessment, the report itself is not measurable or observable by the nurse.