Which of the following would be the best example of a short-term safet

Which of the following would be the best example of a short-term safety goal for a client who recently experienced abdominal surgery?

1. The client will show no systemic or local signs of infection by time of discharge from hospital.
2. The client will demonstrate an understanding of the proper use of pa-tient-controlled analgesia (PCA).
3. The client will demonstrate effective coughing and deep-breathing techniques within 2 hours of surgery.
4. The client will consistently use the call bell to notify the staff of a need for assis-tance to the bathroom upon return to the nursing unit.

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Although all the options represent short-term goals, this option (consistently use the call bell to notify the staff) is directly related to client safety because it deals with fall prevention. Although this is short-term goal (by time of discharge), it is not as directly related to safety as some other options. Although this is short-term goal (time is inferred by nature of pain needs), it is not as di-rectly related to safety as some other options. Although this is short-term goal (2 hours), it is not as directly related to safety as some other options.