Which statement about patient-centered goals is true?

Which statement about patient-centered goals is true?

• A. They are measurable and aligned with patient outcomes.
• B. They are only set by the nurse.
• C. They ignore patient preferences.
• D. They focus solely on hospital efficiency.

Answer: (A)

Patient-centered goals focus on what matters to the patient and describe progress in measurable terms that reflect meaningful outcomes for daily living and health. The best statement captures that these goals are measurable and aligned with patient outcomes, so progress can be tracked and the care plan adjusted to achieve real, patient-relevant change. When goals are set only by the nurse, patient input isn’t integrated; if patient preferences are ignored, care isn’t truly patient-centered; and focusing on hospital efficiency shifts attention away from what matters to the patient’s health and quality of life. For example, a patient wanting to regain independence after surgery would have goals like ambulating a certain distance with aid by a specific day and achieving a target pain level during activity, with progress checked regularly to guide care.

Patient-centered goals focus on what matters to the patient and describe progress in measurable terms that reflect meaningful outcomes for daily living and health. The best statement captures that these goals are measurable and aligned with patient outcomes, so progress can be tracked and the care plan adjusted to achieve real, patient-relevant change. When goals are set only by the nurse, patient input isn’t integrated; if patient preferences are ignored, care isn’t truly patient-centered; and focusing on hospital efficiency shifts attention away from what matters to the patient’s health and quality of life. For example, a patient wanting to regain independence after surgery would have goals like ambulating a certain distance with aid by a specific day and achieving a target pain level during activity, with progress checked regularly to guide care.