In what step of the nursing process do the client and the nurse develop the goals? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: "There is no reason to worry. This surgeon has an excellent reputation.” is not the best nursing response. This response shows false reassurance, which is a communication technique that involves minimizing or dismissing the other person’s feelings or situation. It also shows authority, which is a communication barrier that involves using one’s position or status to influence or persuade the other person. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound patronizing or condescending. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: “It sounds as though you have mixed feelings about the surgery. Can you tell me more about how you feel?” is the best nursing response. This response shows active listening, which is a communication skill that involves hearing, understanding, and responding to the client’s verbal and nonverbal messages. It also shows empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It acknowledges and validates the client’s emotions, and invites them to express their concerns or fears. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: "The benefits outweigh the risks. You can be confident that the surgery should be done.” is not the best nursing response. This response shows persuasion, which is a communication technique that involves using logic or evidence to convince or influence the other person. It also shows assumption, which is a communication barrier that involves making judgments or guesses about what the other person thinks or feels. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound coercive or manipulative. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: "You are bound to feel much beter once it is all over with.” is not the best nursing response. This response shows cliché, which is a communication technique that involves using overused or trite expressions that lack meaning or sincerity. It also shows avoidance, which is a communication barrier that involves shifting the focus away from the other person’s feelings or situation. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound vague or insincere. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the problem is not suspected, but rather the client has a desire to improve or maintain a level of health. A wellness nursing diagnosis describes a potential or actual health state that can be enhanced.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the problem is not suspected, but rather the client has a cluster of related problems that are associated with a specific situation or event. A syndrome nursing diagnosis describes a patern of responses that are linked by a common cause.

Choice C reason: This is correct because it shows that the problem is suspected, but lacks enough data to support it. A ‘risk for’ nursing diagnosis describes a potential problem that may occur if certain risk factors are present.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the problem is not suspected, but rather the client has signs and symptoms that indicate an actual health issue. An actual nursing diagnosis describes a current problem that has been validated by data.