Nursing Process Practice Test

What term describes information obtained directly from the patient?

Primary data Secondary data Tertiary data Objective data

Correct Answer:

Primary data

Explanation:

Primary data is information obtained directly from the patient. In the nursing process, this encompasses the patient’s own reports, experiences, symptoms, and perceptions gathered through interview, health history, and direct statements during the assessment. It often includes subjective content—like pain level or dizziness—but it comes from the patient as the original source. Secondary data would be information from others (family, caregivers, medical records), tertiary data are compiled sources, and objective data are measurable, observable findings from examination or tests. So, data that originate with the patient themselves is best described as primary data.

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