Need some insight on outcomes....

[mamaofgideon]

hi everyone,

so, i am in my 4th nursing class of my first semester and we are just starting to touch on nursing care plans. on one of my study guides it has a few questions that i am still unfamiliar with... i'll let you know my thoughts and if you could give me any help that would be awesome!

a. formulate outcomes for a client with self care deficit syndrome and use as a basis for evaluation.

-client will understand and communicate the importance of self hygiene.

- client will bathe according to schedule set by care provider

- if client needs help with certain areas of self care they will ask the nurse for assistance.

b. list interventions for a client with self care deficit syndrome related to etiology and describe the rationale for each intervention

- provide all bathing equipment within easy reach of patient

-nurse will educate client on importance of bathing and hygiene measures

-nurse will provide privacy during bathing once patient proves they are able to do it safely

-nurse will provide a consistent bathing schedule

i am really confused about the differences between goals and outcomes.

thanks for your help in advance :)

[Mike R, ADN, BSN, RN]

I think what you have listed should work. You could list a few more but I think you're on the right track.

The difference between goals and outcomes:

Goals: something you want to happen and an appropriate time frame.

Outcomes: what actually happens by the end of that stated time frame.

Though it doesn't really help explain "formulate outcomes and use as a basis for eval"...... I don't really like how that's phrased. Maybe someone else can shed more light!

[TheOracle]

I was taught:

Goals are something specific and measurable that you want to happen in a realistic time frame.

Ask yourself: can another nurse pick up my care plan and continue care with limited or no questions?

a. formulate outcomes for a client with self care deficit syndrome and use as a basis for evaluation.

-client will understand and communicate the importance of self hygiene.

How will you know the client understands? What indicates to you or another nurse that the client understands?

- client will bathe according to schedule set by care provider

What is the schedule? Will the client do this on his or her own or will they need help?

- if client needs help with certain areas of self care they will ask the nurse for assistance

What are "certain areas?"

Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timed.

I've encountered differences of opinion in regards to outcome. I remember being taught (and this makes sense to me still) that outcomes were basically to inform whether or not your goal was met and if not what you were going to do about it (i.e. give more time, redefine the goal). In other words: were your nursing interventions successful? How do you know why or why not? What are you going to do about it?

[Jonathank]

While "goal" may have more short-term implications to some (i.e. 2 week time limit), "goal" and ("expected" or "anticipated") "outcome" are essentially synonymous.

I'd try to make the 3 goals you listed more specific. For example:

- client will bathe according to schedule set by care provider would become more like:

- Client will bathe daily for the next 2 weeks