Final answer:
Objective data (O) is used in problem-oriented charting to assess a patient's condition as it includes factual, measurable, and observable information. While subjective data reflects personal experiences, objective data is crucial for definitive assessments and diagnoses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The component used in problem-oriented charting to assess the patient's condition is B) O - Objective data. Problem-oriented charting is a method that is widely used in healthcare settings to organize a patient’s medical record. When both subjective (S) and objective (O) data are given, it is important to use the objective data because it consists of factual, measurable and observable data that are independent of personal feelings or interpretations. An example of objective data might include vital signs, lab results, or physical examination findings.
Subjective data, on the other hand, is based on the patient's personal experiences and feelings. Therefore, while subjective information provides important context and depth to a patient's condition, it is the objective data that is used to make more definitive assessments and diagnoses.