In outcome evaluation, which statement is an example of a finding?

• A. 5% of clients with colostomy experience an infection that delays discharge.
• B. Suction equipment is adequate in the nursing unit.
• C. Checks the client's identification band before giving medication.
• D. Staff nurses are assigned adequately according to patient acuity.

Answer: (A)

In outcome evaluation you look for actual results on patients after care—the observable health changes or effects. The statement about 5% of clients with a colostomy experiencing an infection that delays discharge is an outcome finding because it reports a measurable result that impacts patient health and discharge timing. It shows the real consequence of care in the patient population.

The other statements describe aspects of care delivery rather than patient outcomes: whether suction equipment is adequate (a resource/process issue), whether the client’s identification band is checked before giving medication (a safety process), and how staff are assigned relative to patient needs (a staffing/structure consideration). These are important for quality and safety, but they don’t directly quantify an outcome.

So the best choice is the one that provides a measurable health result affecting discharge.