Which of the following would be the most appropriate outcome criterion

Which of the following would be the most appropriate outcome criterion for the goal, “Client’s pain will be managed to within an acceptable level within 30 minutes of receiving pain medica-tion.”

1. Client will deny presence of any pain or discomfort.
2. Client will rate pain at a level of 3 or less out of a possible 10.
3. Client will demonstrate ability to request pain medication as needed.
4. Client will identify two external factors that decrease presence of pain.

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Client will rate pain at a level of 3 or less out of a possible 10 would be the most appropriate outcome criterion because it is directly related to the management of pain levels as reflected by the pain scale. Client will deny presence of any pain or discomfort does not necessarily reflect a reasonable goal. Although client will demonstrate ability to request pain medication as needed is directed towards pain management, it does not have the primary focus that evaluating the pain management intervention has. Client will identify two external factors that decrease presence of pain is not the best option because it does not directly relate to pain management but the identi-fication of contributing factors.