Which of the following would be the most appropriate goal for an elderly client with a nursing diagnosis of risk for injury after hip surgery?

Choice A reason: Capillary refill is not the nurse's priority assessment for this client, because it is not the most relevant and sensitive indicator of the client's condition. Capillary refill is a test that measures the time it takes for the color to return to the nail bed after applying pressure, which reflects the peripheral circulation and tissue perfusion. Capillary refill can be affected by factors such as temperature, hydration, or vasoconstriction. Capillary refill is not a specific or reliable sign of PCP, which is a type of pneumonia caused by a fungus that affects the lungs and respiratory system.

Choice B reason: Radial pulses are not the nurse's priority assessment for this client, because they are not the most relevant and sensitive indicator of the client's condition. Radial pulses are the beats that can be felt at the wrist, which reflect the heart rate and rhythm. Radial pulses can be affected by factors such as activity, emotion, or medication. Radial pulses are not a specific or reliable sign of PCP, which is a type of pneumonia caused by a fungus that affects the lungs and respiratory system.

Choice C reason: Lung sounds are the nurse's priority assessment for this client, because they are the most relevant and sensitive indicator of the client's condition. Lung sounds are the noises that can be heard with a stethoscope over the chest, which reflect the air movement and ventilation in the lungs and airways. Lung sounds can reveal the presence of abnormalities, such as crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds, which indicate fluid, inflammation, or obstruction in the lungs or airways. Lung sounds are a specific and reliable sign of PCP, which is a type of pneumonia caused by a fungus that affects the lungs and respiratory system.

Choice D reason: Skin turgor is not the nurse's priority assessment for this client, because it is not the most relevant and sensitive indicator of the client's condition. Skin turgor is a test that measures the elasticity of the skin, which reflects the hydration and fluid status of the body. Skin turgor can be affected by factors such as age, weight loss, or edema. Skin turgor is not a specific or reliable sign of PCP, which is a type of pneumonia caused by a fungus that affects the lungs and respiratory system.

Choice A reason: Client will remain free from falls throughout their hospital stay is the most appropriate goal for an elderly client with a nursing diagnosis of risk for injury after hip surgery, because it is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. This goal addresses the main risk factor for injury, which is falling, and the main outcome indicator, which is the absence of falls. This goal also reflects the client's condition, needs, and preferences, and is consistent with the standards of care and evidencebased practice.

Choice B reason: Client will increase activity tolerance by discharge from the hospital is not the most appropriate goal for an elderly client with a nursing diagnosis of risk for injury after hip surgery, because it is vague, subjective, unachievable, unrealistic, and untimely. This goal does not address the main risk factor for injury, which is falling, nor the main outcome indicator, which is the absence of falls. This goal also does not reflect the client's condition, needs, and preferences, and is not consistent with the standards of care and evidencebased practice.

Choice C reason: Client will demonstrate effective breathing pattern when ambulating throughout hospital stay is not the most appropriate goal for an elderly client with a nursing diagnosis of risk for injury after hip surgery, because it is irrelevant, unrelated, unnecessary, unrealistic, and untimely. This goal does not address the main risk factor for injury, which is falling, nor the main outcome indicator, which is the absence of falls. This goal also does not reflect the client's condition, needs, and preferences, and is not consistent with the standards of care and evidencebased practice.

Choice D reason: Client will increase mobility by the time of discharge from hospital is not the most appropriate goal for an elderly client with a nursing diagnosis of risk for injury after hip surgery, because it is vague, subjective, unachievable, unrealistic, and untimely. This goal does not address the main risk factor for injury, which is falling, nor the main outcome indicator, which is the absence of falls. This goal also does not reflect the client's condition, needs, and preferences, and is not consistent with the standards of care and evidencebased practice.