Question

Goals are set during the planning step and ________.

1) are broad statements of purpose that describe the aim of nursing care.
2) represent short- or long-term objectives.
3) are realistic and measurable.
4) are generated by the patient without the input of the nurse.

Answer 1

Goals in nursing care are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and are set collaboratively with the patient, ensuring that they are not only broad statements but also realistic and measurable objectives with clear steps and target dates for achievement.

Step-by-step explanation:

Goals set during the planning step of any project, including nursing care, need to be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These characteristics ensure that goals can effectively guide actions and allow for progress tracking. Specifically in nursing care:

• Goals are often broad statements of purpose that articulate the overarching aims of the care being provided.
• They can represent short- or long-term objectives that are aimed at improving the patient's health status.
• It's essential for these goals to be realistic and measurable to evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing interventions.

While patient input is crucial in setting goals, it is a collaborative effort where the expertise of the nurse is combined with the preferences and needs of the patient to establish achievable and appropriate goals.

When setting any goal, it's important to list the steps toward achieving it, as this will offer clarity and maintain motivation. Incorporating a target date for these actions is also critical for monitoring progress and ensuring that the goals are time-bound.