Test Outcomes
| Expected Outcomes | Unexpected Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Anticipated outcomes will be achieved. | Some anticipated outcomes may not be achieved, possibly because of specific patient behaviors that interfere with care interventions (e.g., patient does not appear for testing appointment, patient did not fast or withhold medication when directed before testing). |
| Patient, family, and significant others should be able to describe the testing process and purpose and be able to properly perform expected activities. Information contributes to empowerment. | Inability of patient to fully participate in teaching or learning process is evidenced by verbal and nonverbal cues. Patient cannot properly perform expected activities. Misinterpretation and misinformation of diagnostic process results in panic, avoidance behaviors, and refusal to have tests done. |
| If test outcomes are abnormal, the appropriate lifestyle changes will be made, and the patient will adopt healthy behaviors. | Patient does not comply with test preparation guidelines and posttest recommended lifestyle changes, hides test results, and minimizes or exaggerates meaning of test outcomes. |
| With help, the patient is able to integrate the life event, diagnosis of illness, compromised health, and associated life changes and will be able to develop new life patterns. | Patient experiences frustration, anger, and feelings of loss and grief, even after learning new information or skills. |
| The patient does not develop complications and remains free from injury. | Patient exhibits untoward signs and symptoms (e.g., allergic response, shock, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, retention of barium). |
| If complications occur, they will be optimally resolved. Signs of infection are treated immediately, and infection is resolved. | Complications are not fully resolved, health state is compromised, and more extensive testing and care are needed. |
| Anxiety and fears will be alleviated and will not interfere with the testing process. The patient is helped to balance fears with the recognition of the potential for developing coping skills. | Because of anxiety, fear, or uncertainty, the patient is unable to collect specimens properly or to accurately comply with procedural steps. The nurse is unable to calm and reassure the patient. Invasive tests may be canceled if the patient is too anxious or fearful. |
| With support and education, the patient is able to cope with test outcomes revealing a chronic or life-threatening disease. Hope is inspired or generated, and the patient feels cared for. | There may be a lack of appropriate problem-solving behaviors, uncertainty or denial about test outcomes, inability to cope with test outcomes, extreme depression and abnormal patterns of responses, and refusal to take control of the situation or to cooperate with prescribed regimens. Anxiety, grief, guilt, or sense of social stigma about the illness persists. The patient uses alcohol or drugs. Caregivers are seen as uncaring. |