Question

Which of the following would be the best example of a short-term safety goal for a client who recently experienced abdominal surgery?

A. "The client will demonstrate proper use of the call bell within 24 hours postoperatively."

B. "The client will walk independently in the hallway within 48 hours postoperatively."

C. "The client will report a pain level of 3 or below within 72 hours postoperatively."

D. "The client will understand the importance of dietary restrictions within 5 days postoperatively."

Answer 1

The best example of a short-term safety goal for a client after abdominal surgery is to demonstrate proper use of the call bell within 24 hours, as this ensures immediate communication with healthcare professionals for any urgent needs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The optimal short-term safety goal for a client who has recently undergone abdominal surgery would be A. "The client will demonstrate proper use of the call bell within 24 hours postoperatively." This goal focuses on immediate postoperative safety and ensures the patient can effectively communicate with healthcare professionals in case of an emergency or for any needs that may arise soon after surgery. While the other options may be important as well, they pertain to mobility, pain management, and dietary education, which are generally considered over a slightly longer term in the recovery process.

The surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional prioritize reviewing key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient to ensure safety and proper healing. A short-term safety goal should reflect practical and achievable outcomes that promote the patient's wellbeing and align with the normal recovery time for the surgical procedure. In this case, a normal distribution of recovery times with a mean of 5.3 days and a standard deviation of 2.1 days suggests that the most critical safety concerns should be addressed as soon as possible within the first 24 hours.