Which of the following is considered subjective data in nursing assessment?

In nursing assessments, subjective data refers to information that is based on a patient's personal experience and perspective, which cannot be directly observed or measured by the healthcare provider. The pain rating of 5 is an excellent example of subjective data because it reflects the patient's own assessment of their pain level, which is inherently personal and based on their internal experience.

In contrast, vital signs, lab results, and pulse oximetry readings consist of objective data, as they are measurable and can be verified by observation or diagnostic equipment. For instance, vital signs like heart rate or blood pressure can be measured with a sphygmomanometer, and lab results are obtained from tests conducted in a laboratory. Pulse oximetry readings provide quantitative data about a patient's oxygen saturation level. These types of information, while critical for diagnosis and treatment, do not encapsulate the personal feelings or perceptions of the patient, which defines subjective data. Thus, the pain rating of 5 stands out as the only choice that accurately represents the subjective aspect of nursing assessment.