Final answer:
When a nurse establishes goals with a patient, they are in the Planning phase of the nursing process, which is crucial for setting the direction of patient care and involves collaboration to enhance treatment compliance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is establishing short- and long-term goals with a patient, they are engaged in the Planning phase of the nursing process. This step occurs after the assessment and diagnosis phases and involves the formulation of objectives and the selection of interventions that will be used to achieve the desired outcomes. The goals must be measurable and patient-centered, guiding the subsequent steps of implementation and evaluation.
The Planning phase is critical as it sets the direction for patient care. It ensures that the interventions chosen are tailored to meet the individual's needs and that the expected outcomes are realistic and attainable. Collaborating with patients during goal setting helps empower them and enhances compliance with the care plan.
In summary, the Planning phase is where goals are established in conjunction with the patient, which provides a clear framework for the actions the nursing team will take next in the Implementation phase and subsequently how they will evaluate the effectiveness of the care in the Evaluation phase.