For a patient with shortness of breath, which is a correctly stated, measurable goal?

For a patient with shortness of breath, which is a correctly stated, measurable goal?

• A. The patient will be comfortable by the morning
• B. The patient will breathe unlabored at 14 to 18 breaths per minute by the end of shift
• C. The patient will not complain of breathing problems within the next 8 hours
• D. The patient will have a respiratory rate of 14 to 18 breaths per minute

Answer: (B)

Setting goals for a patient with shortness of breath should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. The best goal specifies both how breathing should feel and what the rate should be, with a clear deadline for reassessment. Saying the patient will breathe unlabored at 14 to 18 breaths per minute by the end of the shift provides an observable, objective target: the quality of breathing (unlabored) and a normal respiratory rate (14–18) that can be counted and assessed. The time frame (by the end of the shift) lets you evaluate progress and adjust treatment as needed. The other statements are less effective because they rely on subjective or vague criteria or lack a deadline. “Comfortable by morning” is subjective and difficult to measure consistently. “Not complain of breathing problems within the next 8 hours” depends on patient reporting and is episodic rather than a steady, observable parameter. “Will have a respiratory rate of 14 to 18 breaths per minute” provides a target rate but lacks quality of breathing and a specific time frame to evaluate progress.

Setting goals for a patient with shortness of breath should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. The best goal specifies both how breathing should feel and what the rate should be, with a clear deadline for reassessment. Saying the patient will breathe unlabored at 14 to 18 breaths per minute by the end of the shift provides an observable, objective target: the quality of breathing (unlabored) and a normal respiratory rate (14–18) that can be counted and assessed. The time frame (by the end of the shift) lets you evaluate progress and adjust treatment as needed.

The other statements are less effective because they rely on subjective or vague criteria or lack a deadline. “Comfortable by morning” is subjective and difficult to measure consistently. “Not complain of breathing problems within the next 8 hours” depends on patient reporting and is episodic rather than a steady, observable parameter. “Will have a respiratory rate of 14 to 18 breaths per minute” provides a target rate but lacks quality of breathing and a specific time frame to evaluate progress.