Question

The following statements are on a patient's nursing care plan. Which of the following statements is written as an appropriate goal and outcome?

A. The patient will understand needed dietary changes by October 20, 2018, 1500
B. The patient will demonstrate increased mobility in 2 days.
C. The patient will demonstrate increased tolerance to activity over the next month.
D. The patient will verbalize a decreased pain level less than 3 on a 0 to 10 scale by October 20, 2018, 1500.

Answer 1

The most appropriate goal and outcome statement is D, which states that the patient will verbalize a decreased pain level less than 3 on a pain scale by a specific date, adhering to the SMART criteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate goal and outcome statement from a patient's nursing care plan is D. The patient will verbalize a decreased pain level less than 3 on a 0 to 10 scale by October 20, 2018, 1500. This statement is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). It clearly states what the patient will do (verbalize a decreased pain level), how success is measured (pain level less than 3 on a scale from 0 to 10), and provides a deadline for the outcome (by October 20, 2018, at 1500).

Option A is not as clear on how 'understanding' will be measured. Option B is time-bound but lacks specificity regarding what 'increased mobility' looks like. Option C provides a timeline (over the next month) but is not as specific or measurable as option D.

Nursing goals should be constructed utilizing the SMART criteria, which ensures that outcomes are focused on specific patient needs, are able to be evaluated, and facilitate clear communication amongst the healthcare team.