The nurse is caring for a client who is recovering from abdominal surgery. When determining the best goal statement for the client concerning level of pain, which of the following is most appropriate?

Question

1. The client will verbalize pain relief using an intensity rating in 4 hours.
2. The client will state that he feels fine in 4 hours.
3. The nurse will observe fewer signs of pain in the client's demeanor.
4. The nurse will reevaluate the client's pain level every 2 hours.

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: The goal statement is directly related to the nursing diagnosis. Goal statements are stated in a positive fashion, and have measurable criteria.
Rationale 2: This statement is not related directly related to the diagnosis and is not measurable.
Rationale 3: A goal statement must be reflective of client activities. This is an incorrect answer because it reflects activities of the nurse and not the client.
Rationale 4: A goal statement must be reflective of the client's activities. This is an incorrect answer because it reflects activities of the nurse and is not client directed. Although there is a time frame listed it is not correct as it is related to nursing actions.