Which example is an objective cue?

Which example is an objective cue?

• A. Potassium level 3.5 mmol/L
• B. Pain rating 8/10 reported by the patient
• C. Patient's dizziness described by the patient
• D. Family history of illness

Answer: (A)

Objective cues are data that can be observed or measured directly, without relying on the patient’s report. A lab value like the potassium level is an objective cue because it comes from a laboratory test and is quantified independent of how the patient is feeling or describes their symptoms. In contrast, the other examples rely on patient self-report. Pain rating is the patient’s own experience, even when given on a numeric scale, so it’s subjective. Dizziness described by the patient is also subjective, reflecting how the patient perceives themselves rather than an externally measured finding. Family history is information the patient provides about relatives; while important, it’s not a measurable sign and is classified as subjective data obtained from history. So the potassium level best fits as an objective cue because it is a concrete, observable measurement.

Objective cues are data that can be observed or measured directly, without relying on the patient’s report. A lab value like the potassium level is an objective cue because it comes from a laboratory test and is quantified independent of how the patient is feeling or describes their symptoms.

In contrast, the other examples rely on patient self-report. Pain rating is the patient’s own experience, even when given on a numeric scale, so it’s subjective. Dizziness described by the patient is also subjective, reflecting how the patient perceives themselves rather than an externally measured finding. Family history is information the patient provides about relatives; while important, it’s not a measurable sign and is classified as subjective data obtained from history.

So the potassium level best fits as an objective cue because it is a concrete, observable measurement.