Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

How would you classify the statement: "Mr. M. has shortness of breath that has persisted for the past 10 days; it is worse with activity and relieved by rest"?

1. Objective

2. Subjective

3. Evaluative

4. Quantitative

The correct answer is: Subjective

The statement regarding Mr. M.'s shortness of breath is classified as subjective because it reflects the patient's personal experience and feelings regarding his condition. Subjective data is information that is reported by the patient, encompassing their symptoms, sensations, and the impact of those symptoms on their daily life. In this case, Mr. M. describes his shortness of breath as persistent for 10 days and notes that it worsens with activity and improves with rest. This description is based on his personal perception and cannot be directly measured or observed by a healthcare provider. In contrast, objective data would include measurable findings such as vital signs, physical exam results, or laboratory tests that can provide information about the patient's condition without relying on their interpretation. Evaluative statements would involve a judgment about the patient's condition based on the data collected, while quantitative information would involve numerical values or measurements, such as specific numbers related to heart rate or oxygen saturation levels, which are not present in this statement. The emphasis on Mr. M.'s experience clearly aligns it with subjective data.