Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Information provided by a patient's wife during a psychiatric assessment is considered what type of information?

1. Objective information

2. Subjective information

3. Quantitative information

4. Empirical information

The correct answer is: Subjective information

The information provided by a patient's wife during a psychiatric assessment is categorized as subjective information because it reflects personal opinions, feelings, and perspectives about the patient’s condition and behavior. Subjective information is inherently influenced by the individual’s experiences, beliefs, and emotions, which can significantly inform healthcare provider understanding of the patient's situation. In psychiatry and other areas of healthcare, subjective information often comes from family members or loved ones when the patient may not be able to provide a complete picture themselves, either due to their condition or lack of insight. This perspective is crucial for understanding the context in which the patient's symptoms occur and can guide treatment approaches. Other types of information, such as objective, quantitative, and empirical, differ in their nature. Objective information pertains to observable and measurable facts—such as behaviors noted during an assessment or clinical test results. Quantitative information refers to data that can be counted or measured, like statistics or numerical values. Empirical information is based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic. Each of these types serves its own purpose, but in this case, the wife's account is subjective, reflecting a personal viewpoint rather than a measurable or universally observable fact.