The nurse is changing a client’s dressing. Which observation warrants immediate physician notification?

Choice A reason: Client O2 saturation will be maintained at 95% the entire day is an example of an expected outcome that adheres to accepted criteria. An expected outcome is a measurable and realistic goal that the client should achieve as a result of the nursing interventions. Accepted criteria for writing expected outcomes include being client- centered, specific, observable, measurable, time-limited, and realistic. This outcome meets all these criteria, as it focuses on the client’s condition, states a specific value and time frame, and can be observed and measured.

Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice B reason: Client will observe safety guidelines while smoking is not an example of an expected outcome that adheres to accepted criteria. This outcome is not specific, observable, or measurable, as it does not state what the safety guidelines are, how they will be observed, or how they will be evaluated. It is also not realistic, as smoking is a harmful behavior that should be discouraged or eliminated, not made safer. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: PN will assess vital signs every day is not an example of an expected outcome that adheres to accepted criteria. This outcome is not client-centered, as it focuses on the nurse’s action, not the client’s condition or response. It is also not an outcome, but rather an intervention or activity that the nurse will perform to monitor the client’s status. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Client will take part in one activity daily for the next 90 days is an example of an expected outcome that adheres to accepted criteria. This outcome is client-centered, specific, observable, measurable, time-limited, and realistic, as it focuses on the client’s participation, states a specific frequency and duration, and can be observed and measured. It also implies a positive change in the client’s behavior or lifestyle that may improve their health or well- being. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice A reason: Collects data is not an activity that the nurse performs during the planning step of the nursing process. Collecting data is an activity that the nurse performs during the assessment step of the nursing process, which involves gathering and analyzing information about the client’s health status, history, and environment.

Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Records data is not an activity that the nurse performs during the planning step of the nursing process. Recording data is an activity that the nurse performs during the documentation step of the nursing process, which involves writing or entering the data and findings in the client’s record or chart. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Prioritizes care is an activity that the nurse performs during the planning step of the nursing process. Prioritizing care is an activity that involves ranking the client’s problems, needs, or risks according to their urgency, importance, or potential impact. It helps the nurse to allocate time and resources efficiently, and to address the most critical or significant issues first. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice D reason: Carries out interventions is not an activity that the nurse performs during the planning step of the nursing process. Carrying out interventions is an activity that the nurse performs during the implementation step of the nursing process, which involves executing the plan of care and performing the interventions and activities that were planned. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.