Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What guides the appropriate nursing interventions for a patient?

1. Evidence-based research

2. Personal nursing experience

3. Agreed-upon goals with patient

4. Hospital policies

The correct answer is: Agreed-upon goals with patient

The selection of agreed-upon goals with the patient as guiding factors for appropriate nursing interventions is pivotal, as it emphasizes patient-centered care, which is fundamental in nursing practice. Establishing mutual goals fosters collaboration between the nurse and the patient, ensuring that the interventions are aligned with the patient’s needs, preferences, and values. When the patient is actively involved in their care planning, it can enhance motivation, adherence to the treatment plan, and overall satisfaction with the care they receive. By focusing on the goals that both the patient and the nurse have collaboratively established, interventions can be tailored specifically to facilitate those outcomes. This approach recognizes the individual’s unique circumstances and can lead to more effective and personalized nursing care. It underscores the importance of communication and partnership in the therapeutic relationship, ultimately improving the patient's experience and health outcomes. In contrast, while evidence-based research, personal nursing experience, and hospital policies all play important roles in shaping nursing practice, they may not reflect the specific circumstances and preferences of the individual patient in the same way that collaboratively set goals do. Evidence-based research provides a foundation of best practices; personal experience informs individual practice; and hospital policies ensure standardized care. However, when it comes to guiding interventions, the involvement of the patient in goal setting creates