Medical Office Assistant · Administrative Procedures and Office Management

Documentation Standards: Objective vs Subjective

On this page 3 sections
  1. Quick check
  2. Study tools
  3. Sources & references

Quick check

5 questions here, of 85 in this lesson’s practice set. Answers stay hidden until you check.

Question 1 of 5foundational

In medical documentation, which statement best describes objective information?

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Question 2 of 5foundational

Which statement best describes subjective information in a patient's health record?

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Question 3 of 5foundational

A patient says, 'My stomach has been hurting for two days.' How should this statement be classified in the record?

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Question 4 of 5foundational

The assistant records a temperature of 101.2 degrees F. This is an example of which type of information?

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Question 5 of 5foundational

A blood pressure reading of 118/76 mmHg recorded in the chart is best classified as:

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Practice all 85

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Study tools & related lessonsYou’ll learn to · Related

You’ll learn to

  • Distinguish objective information from subjective information in patient documentation.
  • Document observable facts rather than personal interpretations or opinions.
  • Apply documentation standards for accuracy, timeliness, and completeness.
  • Quote patients accurately and record subjective data in the patient's own words.
  • Use neutral, person-centered language that is free of judgment and stigma.

Sources & references

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Health Information Privacy (HIPAA)
  2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule
  3. Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT — Privacy, Security, and HIPAA

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