Which of the following elements comes under secondary subjective data?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Secondary subjective data is information provided by someone other than the patient.
This type of data is also known as symptoms reported by a secondary source.
In this case, the spouse is the secondary source reporting the client's loss of appetite, which is a subjective symptom.

Option A: This is objective data. The nurse is making a direct observation (a sign) through palpation.
Option B: This is objective data. Measuring weight is a quantifiable measurement taken by the healthcare provider.
Option C: This is primary subjective data. The information (pain) is a symptom reported directly by the patient (the primary source).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of Nursing Health Assessment Data as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Distinguishing between data types is fundamental for accurate nursing documentation and creating an effective care plan.
Secondary sources are crucial when the patient is unable to communicate effectively (e.g., infants, unconscious patients, or individuals with cognitive impairments).
What if the patient is a 2-year-old child? In this case, the parents' report of the child's symptoms (e.g., 'He has been pulling at his ear') becomes the primary source of subjective data for the nurse, as the child cannot verbalize their symptoms.

How to Approach the Question

First, define the key terms in the question: 'Subjective' (what someone says or feels; a symptom) versus 'Objective' (what can be measured or observed; a sign).
Next, define the source: 'Primary' (the patient) versus 'Secondary' (anyone or anything else, like family or medical records).
Combine the terms: The question asks for 'Secondary Subjective' data. This means you are looking for a symptom ('subjective') reported by someone other than the patient ('secondary').
Evaluate each option against this definition.
Option A (palpating edema) is an observation by the nurse (Objective).
Option B (measuring weight) is a measurement by the nurse (Objective).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 434-436

Practise the full DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.