Which statement best defines a short-term goal in nursing planning?

Which statement best defines a short-term goal in nursing planning?

• A. An objective behavior or response you expect the client to achieve in a short period of time usually less than one week.
• B. An objective for several months
• C. A broad statement not measurable
• D. A plan for discharge

Answer: (A)

Short-term goals are precise, observable client behaviors or responses that show progress toward the overall care aim, and they’re designed to be achieved in a brief time frame—typically less than a week. This makes it clear what the client will do or experience soon, so progress can be evaluated quickly and interventions adjusted as needed. The statement given fits this idea because it describes a concrete behavior or response the client is expected to achieve within a short period. Longer-term goals span months, so they aren’t the best fit for describing what should happen in the near term. A broad statement that isn’t measurable isn’t a true goal, since there’s no criteria to judge success. A plan for discharge describes a phase of care, not a specific near-term outcome the client is expected to achieve.

Short-term goals are precise, observable client behaviors or responses that show progress toward the overall care aim, and they’re designed to be achieved in a brief time frame—typically less than a week. This makes it clear what the client will do or experience soon, so progress can be evaluated quickly and interventions adjusted as needed. The statement given fits this idea because it describes a concrete behavior or response the client is expected to achieve within a short period.

Longer-term goals span months, so they aren’t the best fit for describing what should happen in the near term. A broad statement that isn’t measurable isn’t a true goal, since there’s no criteria to judge success. A plan for discharge describes a phase of care, not a specific near-term outcome the client is expected to achieve.