Short and long-term goals must be patient-centered (the patient will...), must be specific, individualized, and measurable. Goals should be focused on the patient's problem.
(Example: Problem: impaired mobility. Goal: Pt will not develop complications of immobility such as pressure ulcers or atelectasis.) Short-term goals should be accomplished within 24-48 hrs. Long-term goals can take 1 week or longer. Patient Problem: Anxiety related to knowledge deficit regarding disease and treatment. What can be a short-term goal for this patient regarding this problem? What can be a long-term goal for a patient for this problem?