Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

Which type of data should the nurse consider as subjective during a history and physical examination?

1. Blood pressure.

2. Cyanosis.

3. Nausea.

4. Petechiae.

The correct answer is: Nausea.

The correct choice focuses on nausea as a type of subjective data during a history and physical examination. Subjective data refers to information that is reported by the patient; it is based on their personal experiences, feelings, and perceptions. In this case, nausea is a sensation that the patient must articulate, as it cannot be measured or quantified objectively by the healthcare provider. On the other hand, the other options provide objective data. Blood pressure represents measurable physiological data that can be taken using a sphygmomanometer. Cyanosis, which indicates a physical change in skin color, can also be observed directly and measured, such as through pulse oximetry. Petechiae, small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding, are visible and can be documented by the examiner. Therefore, these data points are classified as objective, as they can be observed or measured, contrasting with the personal experience of nausea that is inherently subjective.