A client has chronic back pain from a work-related injury that occurred 5 years ago. Which patient goal meets the SMART criteria?

The client will be able to return to work.

The client will verbalize diminished pain at the conclusion of physical therapy.

The client will be able to perform self-care.

The client will engage in desired activities without the pain level increasing above a pain scale level of 3 out of 10 within one month.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: The client will be able to return to work is not a SMART goal. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This goal is not specific, as it does not state what kind of work the client will do, or how the client's back pain will affect their work performance. It is also not measurable, as it does not state how the client's work ability will be assessed. It may not be achievable, as the client's work-related injury may prevent them from returning to their previous occupation. It may not be relevant, as the client may have other priorities or preferences than work. It is also not time-bound, as it does not state when the client will return to work.

Choice B reason: The client will verbalize diminished pain at the conclusion of physical therapy is not a SMART goal. This goal is not specific, as it does not state how much pain the client will experience, or what level of pain is acceptable for the client. It is also not measurable, as it relies on the client's subjective report of pain, which may vary depending on the client's mood, expectations, or coping skills. It may not be achievable, as the client's chronic back pain may not be fully resolved by physical therapy. It may not be relevant, as the client may have other outcomes or indicators of improvement than pain. It is also not time-bound, as it does not state how long the physical therapy will last, or when the client will verbalize their pain level.

Choice C reason: The client will be able to perform self-care is not a SMART goal. This goal is not specific, as it does not state what aspects of self-care the client will perform, or how the client's back pain will affect their self-care abilities. It is also not measurable, as it does not state how the client's self-care performance will be evaluated. It may not be achievable, as the client's chronic back pain may limit their range of motion, strength, or endurance for self-care tasks. It may not be relevant, as the client may have other goals or needs than self-care. It is also not time-bound, as it does not state when the client will achieve this goal.

Choice D reason: The client will engage in desired activities without the pain level increasing above a pain scale level of 3 out of 10 within one month is a SMART goal. This goal is specific, as it states what activities the client wants to do, and how the client's pain level will be monitored. It is measurable, as it uses a numeric pain scale that can be easily recorded and compared. It is achievable, as it sets a realistic and attainable pain threshold that allows the client to enjoy their activities. It is relevant, as it reflects the client's personal interests and values, and enhances their quality of life. It is time-bound, as it states a clear and reasonable deadline for achieving this goal.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: I try to walk in the hallway each day with assistance is a correct statement. Walking is a form of physical activity that can stimulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Walking also has other benefits such as improving circulation, muscle strength, and mood. The patient should be encouraged to walk as much as possible with assistance to prevent falls and injuries.

Choice B reason: I need to increase fiber in my diet and drink more water is a correct statement. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is not digested by the body and helps to form soft and bulky stools. Fiber can be found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Water is essential for hydration and helps to soften the stools and ease their passage. The patient should be advised to consume at least 25 grams of fiber and 8 glasses of water per day to prevent constipation.

Choice C reason: I take my laxative every morning and an enema every night is an incorrect statement that requires follow-up teaching by the nurse. Laxatives and enemas are medications that are used to treat constipation by stimulating or lubricating the bowel. However, they should not be used routinely or excessively, as they can cause side effects such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or dependence. The patient should be instructed to use laxatives and enemas only as prescribed by the doctor and for a short period of time. The patient should also be informed of the potential risks and complications of overusing laxatives and enemas.

Choice D reason: The pain medication I take tends to make my constipation worse is a correct statement. Pain medications, especially opioids, can slow down the movement of the bowel and cause constipation. This is a common and expected side effect of pain medications. The patient should be educated on how to manage constipation caused by pain medications, such as increasing fiber and water intake, exercising regularly, and using stool softeners or laxatives as needed. The patient should also be reassured that constipation does not mean that the pain medication is not working or that they are addicted to it.

A. Identification B. Denial C. Displacement D. Rationalization

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Identification is a defense mechanism where the person adopts the characteristics or behaviors of someone else, usually someone more powerful or successful, to cope with feelings of inadequacy or insecurity.

Choice B reason: Denial is a defense mechanism where the person refuses to accept or acknowledge the reality of a situation or a problem, to avoid dealing with the negative emotions or consequences.

Choice C reason: Displacement is a defense mechanism where the person transfers their feelings or impulses from the original source to a less threatening or more acceptable one, to reduce the anxiety or guilt.

Choice D reason: Rationalization is a defense mechanism where the person uses logical or plausible explanations to justify or excuse their actions or behaviors, to avoid facing the true motives or reasons.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client has chronic back pain from a work-related injury that occurred 5 years ago. Which patient goal meets the SMART criteria?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient at a long-term care facility makes the following statements regarding management of his constipation. Which statement would require follow-up teaching by the nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I did not take my medication because my partner forgot to remind me." The nurse should identify that the client is demonstrating which of the following defense mechanisms?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is talking with a client who has osteoporosis and needs to increase her vitamin D intake as part of her treatment plan. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse reinforce with the client to help ensure an adequate intake of vitamin D?

A client continues to report post-surgical incision pain at a level of 9 out of 10 after pain medication is given. The next dose of pain medicine is not due for another hour. What should the critically thinking nurse do first?

A nurse is educating a client about bariatric surgery. Which of the following statements by the client indicate a need for further teaching?

The nurse is caring for an older adult client who is receiving intravenous fluids at 150 mL/hr. Upon assessment, the nurse notes crackles, shortness of breath, and jugular vein distention. Based on this data, which complication of IV fluid therapy does the nurse anticipate?

The RN is using clinical judgment to determine which patient she needs to see first. What is one primary reason for prioritizing care?

Which intervention is an example of the RN working in a health promotion role through primary prevention?

The RN asks the client to demonstrate proper use of his inhaler. This is an example of which domain of learning?