In patient notes, what does Objective data refer to?

• A. Patient's stated symptoms
• B. Measurable findings like vitals and exam findings
• C. Treatment preferences
• D. Insurance information

Answer: (B)

Objective data are the measurable observations gathered during an evaluation. This includes vitals such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate; physical examination findings like lung sounds, abdominal tenderness, edema, or wounds; and test results from labs or imaging—information that can be verified by anyone reviewing the notes. These data stand in contrast to subjective data, which are symptoms and experiences the patient reports, such as pain level or fatigue. Administrative details like treatment preferences or insurance information don’t reflect the patient’s health status. So the phrase “measurable findings like vitals and exam findings” best describes Objective data.