Which of the following is a component of the subjective data collected in a patient encounter?

Subjective data in a patient encounter is primarily focused on the patient's personal experiences, emotions, and perceptions. This type of data is gathered through the patient's own words and includes aspects such as medical history, symptoms, and feelings. Patient-reported pain levels represent an important piece of subjective data because they reflect the individual's personal experience and perception of their pain, which cannot be observed or measured directly by others.

In contrast, physical exam findings and lab test results are considered objective data as they can be measured or observed regardless of the patient's perspective. Similarly, the provider's observations are also categorized as objective, as they are based on the clinician's assessment and not on the patient's report. This distinction between subjective and objective data is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.