Which of the following is the best example of a measurable client goal? The clientwill:
A Sit out of bed in the chair.
B Verbalize feelings about surgery at some point.
C Eat low-sodium food.
D Identify the five major drug side effects before discharge tomorrow.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The best example of a measurable client goal is D: Identify the five major drug side effects before discharge tomorrow.
Explanation:
Measurable client goals are essential in nursing and healthcare because they provide clear, specific outcomes that can be evaluated objectively. When setting goals for clients, it is important to ensure that they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART).
Option A: Sit out of bed in the chair.
While this goal indicates a specific action, it lacks a measurable component. It does not define how long the client should sit or under what conditions this should occur.
Option B: Verbalize feelings about surgery at some point.
This goal is vague and lacks specificity and a timeline. Although it indicates an emotional response, it doesn’t specify when this should happen or what criteria would indicate success.
Option C: Eat low-sodium food.
This option describes a behavior but does not include any measurable outcome or timeframe. It’s important to clarify how much low-sodium food is to be eaten and for what duration to truly assess compliance.
Option D: Identify the five major drug side effects before discharge tomorrow.
This goal is the most effective because it is specific (identifying five major drug side effects), measurable (the client can be assessed on whether they can recall the information), relevant (directly related to their medication and health), achievable (reasonable for a client to learn), and time-bound (to be completed before discharge). This specificity allows for clear evaluation of the client’s understanding and retention of important medication information, enhancing their safety and self-management after leaving the healthcare facility.
In summary, measurable goals such as option D promote client engagement and ensure healthcare providers can assess the client’s progress effectively.