Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

Information gathered from a patient interview is considered what type of data?

1. Subjective

2. Objective

3. Assessment

4. Evaluation

The correct answer is: Subjective

Information gathered from a patient interview is classified as subjective data because it originates from the patient's personal experiences, feelings, and perceptions about their health. This type of data includes symptoms and complaints that the patient reports, such as pain levels, emotional states, and other sensations that cannot be measured or observed directly by the healthcare provider. Subjective data is crucial in understanding the patient's perspective, providing context to their health status, and guiding further assessment and treatment. In contrast, objective data would include measurable and observable facts, such as vital signs, clinical findings, and laboratory results. These elements complement the subjective data to create a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition. Assessment refers to the healthcare provider's clinical judgment based on the subjective and objective data gathered. Evaluation typically involves assessing the effectiveness of a treatment plan after interventions have been implemented.