A client is hospitalized with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. The nurse notes that the client has had no visitors, seems withdrawn, avoids eye contact and refuses to take part in conversation. In a loud, angry voice the client demands that the nurse leave the room. The nurse formulates a diagnosis of Social isolation. Based on this diagnosis, what is an appropriate goal of care for the client? Select one answer

Choice A reason: Speaks in a normal tone is an approach that can best facilitate communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Speaking in a normal tone can help the client to hear the natural variations and inflections of the voice, and to avoid distortion or confusion. Speaking in a high-pitched or low-pitched tone can make the voice harder to hear or understand, especially if the client has a hearing loss in a specific frequency range. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice B reason: Speaks frequently is not an approach that can best facilitate communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Speaking frequently can overwhelm or fatigue the client, and reduce their ability to process or retain the information. Speaking frequently can also interrupt the client’s thoughts or responses, and prevent them from expressing their needs or concerns. Speaking clearly and concisely, and allowing pauses or breaks, can enhance communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Speaks directly into the unaffected ear is not an approach that can best facilitate communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Speaking directly into the unaffected ear can create an uncomfortable or unnatural position for the client and the nurse, and interfere with eye contact or facial expressions. Speaking directly into the unaffected ear can also create a loud or distorted sound that may be unpleasant or painful for the client.

Speaking face-to-face, and slightly toward the unaffected ear, can improve communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Speaks in a normal volume is an approach that can best facilitate communication with a client who is hearing-impaired. Speaking in a normal volume can help the client to hear the voice without difficulty or strain, and to avoid embarrassment or irritation. Speaking in a loud volume can make the voice harder to hear or understand, as it can cause background noise, echo, or feedback. Speaking in a loud volume can also imply shouting or anger, which can be disrespectful or offensive to the client. Therefore, this choice is correct.

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.