Fundamentals of Nursing Q 437
The nurse writes an expected outcome statement in measurable terms. An example is:
A. Client will have less pain.
B. Client will be pain-free.
C. Client will report pain acuity less than 4 on a scale of 0-10.
D. Client will take pain medication every 4 hours around the clock.
Correct Answer: C. Client will report pain acuity less than 4 on a scale of 0-10.
When developing goals for patients, the nurse needs to look at several factors. Think back to the SMART goal criteria. In order to be specific, nurses focus on questions like ‘What is the problem? What is the response desired?’ To make it measurable, ‘How will the client look or behave if the healthy response is achieved? What can I see, hear, measure, observe?’
Option A: One way to help nurses remember how to write goals is to make sure they are SMART. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic, and Timely. ‘Specific’ refers to who, what, when, where, and why. ‘Measurable’ means that you can actually measure and evaluate the progress of that goal in a concrete way. ‘Action-oriented’ means there are actions that can be taken to reach the goal. ‘Realistic’ includes the ability to work on the goal, having the resources, attitudes, abilities, and skills to reach this goal, and how realistic it is to come to fruition. Finally, ‘Timely’ means that there is an end time frame or date at which the goal is going to be evaluated.
Option B: Goal setting occurs in the third phase of the process, planning. Is the goal for nursing care to heal patients? To help them get better? To help them get well? While these are certainly at the forefront of nurses’ minds, how do you evaluate these statements? What if the definition of wellness is different from one person to another? This is why nursing goal statements that are patient-centered and measurable are so important.
Option D: Considering action-oriented, ‘Are there steps and nursing interventions needed to reach that goal? Is this a realistic outcome for the patient? Have we considered all of the factors involved, including the client’s capabilities and limitations? Does the patient have what he or she needs to reach that goal?’ And finally, ‘Is it timely? When do we expect the goal to be reached?’