Which statement illustrates a single, specific action?

• A. The client will walk
• B. The client will ambulate
• C. The client will move around
• D. The client will walk 20 feet down the hall with a walker

Answer: (D)

In care planning, goals should be specific, observable, and measurable. The statement that describes walking a defined distance with an assistive device meets that need because it spells out exactly what the patient will do, how far, and with what aid. This makes the action observable and assessable—you can watch the patient walk 20 feet down the hall using a walker and determine whether the goal was achieved.

The other options are too vague or broad: simply saying "walk" or "ambulate" lacks distance and method, and "move around" is unclear and not easily measured. By specifying both distance and assistive device, the chosen statement provides a single, concrete action that can be observed in a single session.