Which of the following statements made by a new nursing graduate best

Which of the following statements made by a new nursing graduate best reflects an understand-ing of expected outcomes?

1. “It gives the client something positive to strive towards.”
2. “They are statements of how the client’s behavior should change.”
3. “They are measurable criteria by which I can evaluation whether a goal has been achieved.”
4. “They provide the client with suggestions on how to achieve their long and short term goals.”

ANSWER

ANS: 3
“They are measurable criteria by which I can evaluation whether a goal has been achieved.” It is necessary to use expected outcomes or measurable criteria to evaluate goal achievement. Alt-hough outcomes are directed at times toward the alteration of client behavior, “They are state-ments of how the client’s behavior should change.” is not the best option provided to reflect an understanding of the term. “It gives the client something positive to strive towards” and “They provide the client with suggestions on how to achieve their long and short term goals” are incor-rect as outcomes are nursing-oriented, not client-oriented.