In nursing process planning, what type of goals are used?

• A. Specific goals
• B. Time-bound goals
• C. Achievable goals
• D. SMART goals

Answer: (D)

Goals in the planning phase of the nursing process are best set using SMART criteria to ensure they guide care effectively. SMART means Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This combination makes goals clear and testable: you specify exactly what will be done, include a way to measure progress, ensure the goal can realistically be reached with available resources, tie it to the patient’s needs, and set a deadline. For example, “The patient will ambulate 50 feet with assistive devices and supervision by the end of the shift” is specific, measurable, achievable given support, relevant to mobility, and time-bound. If you consider only one element, like being specific or just assigning a deadline, you risk vague or unattainable targets; SMART integrates all these parts so progress can be tracked and plans adjusted as needed.