Fundamentals of Nursing Q 351



For clients to participate in goal setting, they should be:
  
     A. Alert and have some degree of independence.
     B. Ambulatory and mobile.
     C. Able to speak and write.
     D. Able to read and write.
    
    

Correct Answer: A. Alert and have some degree of independence.

Goal setting in nursing provides direction for planning nursing interventions and evaluating patient progress. The purpose of goal setting in nursing is to enable the patient and nurse to determine when the problem has been resolved and help motivate the patient and the nurse by providing a sense of achievement.

Option B: In light of the potential benefits of patient participation in goal setting, a study by Baker, Rice, Zimmerman, Marshak, et. al. believes the following are needed: (1) patient and therapist education regarding the potential advantages of participation, (2) the enhancement of patient readiness to assume greater responsibility in their care, and (3) the development of models for use in achieving patient participation.
Option C: Patient and therapist education is needed regarding methods for patient participation during initial goal-setting activities. In a study by Baker, Rice, Zimmerman, Marshak, et. al., the therapists stated that they believed that it is important to include patients in goal-setting activities and that outcomes will be improved if patients participate. Patients also indicated that participation is important to them.
Option D: Patient participation in goal setting is emphasized in order to enhance patient management and the effectiveness of treatment. Participation should improve outcomes and could be used to identify benefits that may result from the treatment. These benefits include greater goal attainment, increased patient satisfaction, gains in function, better adherence to treatment regimens, decreased depression in patients, and reduced burnout rates among physical therapists.