Question

a nurse is giving postoperative care to a client after knee arthroplasty. what is a possible short-term goal for this client?

the client will walk 1 mile briskly five times per week.
the client will not undergo repeat surgery.
the client will ambulate to a bedside chair with assistance from the nurse.
the client will return to performing activities of daily living.

Explanation:

Define short-term goals

Using the Principles of Care Planning and Outcome Criteria knowledge points:

• Short-term goals are realistic, measurable outcomes achievable within a brief timeframe (hours to days).
• Long-term goals require a longer period to achieve (weeks to months).

Evaluate the options

• "The client will walk 1 mile briskly five times per week": This is a long-term rehabilitation goal.
• "The client will not undergo repeat surgery": This is an unrealistic, unmeasurable outcome statement.
• "The client will ambulate to a bedside chair with assistance from the nurse": This is a realistic, immediate postoperative milestone achievable within hours or days.
• "The client will return to performing activities of daily living": This is a broad, long-term recovery goal.

Answer:

• The client will walk 1 mile briskly five times per week.
• The client will not undergo repeat surgery.
• The client will ambulate to a bedside chair with assistance from the nurse. (Correct answer)
• The client will return to performing activities of daily living.