What type of behavior is considered an objective observation?

What type of behavior is considered an objective observation?

• A. The client appeared more alert than yesterday
• B. The client used a walker to move across the room
• C. Mrs. Smith feels scared when caregivers leave
• D. The client reported experiencing pain

Answer: (B)

Objective observations are those that can be quantified or measured without personal feelings or interpretations influencing the observation. In this case, the behavior of using a walker to move across the room is a factual statement that can be verified by anyone observing the client. It provides clear evidence of the client's physical capabilities and mobility without any emotional or subjective interpretation. On the other hand, statements that describe feelings or perceptions, such as the client appearing more alert or feeling scared, are inherently subjective. They rely on personal judgment or interpretation, which can vary between observers. This makes them not objective observations. Similarly, the report of experiencing pain is a subjective experience; while it is important information, it derives from the individual's own feelings rather than observable behavior. Hence, using a walker is the only choice that serves as an objective observation.

Objective observations are those that can be quantified or measured without personal feelings or interpretations influencing the observation. In this case, the behavior of using a walker to move across the room is a factual statement that can be verified by anyone observing the client. It provides clear evidence of the client's physical capabilities and mobility without any emotional or subjective interpretation.

On the other hand, statements that describe feelings or perceptions, such as the client appearing more alert or feeling scared, are inherently subjective. They rely on personal judgment or interpretation, which can vary between observers. This makes them not objective observations. Similarly, the report of experiencing pain is a subjective experience; while it is important information, it derives from the individual's own feelings rather than observable behavior. Hence, using a walker is the only choice that serves as an objective observation.