The patient goal is derived from which part of the diagnosis?

• A. Second part
• B. First part
• C. Third part
• D. Last part

Answer: (B)

Goals or outcomes are built around the nursing diagnosis problem. In the PES structure, the problem part names the issue to be addressed, and the goal describes the expected status once that problem improves or resolves. The related factors (etiology) explain why the problem exists and guide interventions, while the defining characteristics (as evidenced by) show the signs and symptoms you’ll monitor. So, when you set a patient goal, you’re aiming to change the issue identified in the first part of the diagnosis, not the cause or the symptoms themselves. For example, with a problem like impaired gas exchange, the goal would be something like maintaining adequate oxygenation, which directly targets the problem.