A nurse is describing a patient's perceived ability to successfully complete a task. Which term should the nurse use to describe this attribute?

A) Self-efficacy
B) Motivation
C) Attentional set
D) Active participation

Self-efficacy, a concept included in social learning theory, refers to a person's perceived ability to successfully complete a task. Motivation is a force that acts on or within a person (e.g., an idea, an emotion, a physical need) to cause the person to behave in a particular way. An attentional set is the mental state that allows the learner to focus on and comprehend a learning activity. Learning occurs when the patient is actively involved in the educational session.