Question

The nurse is reading a new patient's plan of care. The patient has a slow-healing incision and problems swallowing. When the nurse reads an identified goal as "patient will eat 100% of each meal," based on which principle of goal setting will the nurse revise the goal?

A. Patient-centered and formulaic
B. Measurable and realistic
C. Consistent and tolerable
D. Specific and measurable

Answer 1

The nurse should revise the goal based on its achievability, given the patient's difficulties swallowing. A SMART goal that is realistic and measurable, such as specifying a safe amount of food for the patient to consume, would be more appropriate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse realizes that the goal 'patient will eat 100% of each meal' may need revision based on the principle that goals should be 'SMART': Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Since the patient has problems swallowing, expecting them to eat 100% of each meal may not be realistic or achievable. Instead, the nurse should set a goal that is tailored to the patient's abilities, such as a percentage of the meal or a specific volume of food that is safe for the patient to consume given their swallowing difficulties.

To make the goal specific, it should detail the exact amount the patient is expected to consume that is safely manageable for them. To ensure the goal is measurable, the nurse might use criteria such as the number of spoons consumed or the measured volume of liquid. Importantly, it is essential that goal setting in a healthcare context considers the individual patient's health status and prognosis to be both patient-centered and realistic.