Which of the following is the best worded expected outcome?
- A- “The nurse will provide for adequate hydration”
- B- “The nurse will insure that the patient is safe”
- C- “The patient will cough and deep breathe every two hours”
- D- “The patient will value health”
The best worded expected outcome among the options is: C. "The patient will cough and deep breathe every two hours."
Here's why:
- Measurable:
This outcome clearly states the specific action the patient is expected to perform (cough and deep breathe) and the frequency (every two hours).
- Attainable:
Coughing and deep breathing are actions within the patient's control and achievable within the specified timeframe.
- Relevant:
This outcome directly relates to a specific nursing intervention, such as promoting lung expansion and preventing respiratory complications.
- Time-bound:
The timeframe for achieving the outcome is clearly defined as "every two hours."
Other Options:
While the other options may be desirable outcomes, they are not worded as effectively:
A. "The nurse will provide for adequate hydration":
This focuses on the nurse's action rather than the patient's expected behavior.
B. "The nurse will insure that the patient is safe":
This is a broad statement and lacks specific details about the desired outcome.
D. "The patient will value health":
This is a long-term goal and not a specific, measurable outcome achievable within a short timeframe.
Therefore, option C is the most effective expected outcome as it is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
