How should goals be established between the nurse and patient?

How should goals be established between the nurse and patient?

• A. Mutually written with the patient.
• B. Nurse sets goals unilaterally.
• C. Family determines all goals.
• D. Discharge goals are set by administration.

Answer: (A)

Collaborative, patient-centered goal setting means the nurse and patient work together to define what the patient wants to achieve and how success will be measured. When goals are written with the patient, it respects autonomy, aligns care with the patient’s values, and boosts motivation and adherence to the plan. In practice, listen to the patient’s priorities, discuss feasible options, negotiate a realistic plan, and document the goals clearly with specific, measurable criteria and a reasonable timeframe. This approach ensures the care plan reflects the patient’s needs and circumstances, making it more meaningful and easier to follow. Goals set only by the nurse, by the family, or by administration can overlook what the patient values and can lead to less engagement or mismatches with the patient’s situation. Mutual goals guide care and evaluation and support better outcomes.

Collaborative, patient-centered goal setting means the nurse and patient work together to define what the patient wants to achieve and how success will be measured. When goals are written with the patient, it respects autonomy, aligns care with the patient’s values, and boosts motivation and adherence to the plan. In practice, listen to the patient’s priorities, discuss feasible options, negotiate a realistic plan, and document the goals clearly with specific, measurable criteria and a reasonable timeframe. This approach ensures the care plan reflects the patient’s needs and circumstances, making it more meaningful and easier to follow. Goals set only by the nurse, by the family, or by administration can overlook what the patient values and can lead to less engagement or mismatches with the patient’s situation. Mutual goals guide care and evaluation and support better outcomes.