A nurse is admitting a new client. Which of the followings steps of the nursing process is the nurse performing when formulating goals for a positive outcome?

A. Evaluation is the final step of the nursing process, where the nurse compares the client's current status against the previously established goals. This step determines if the interventions were successful or if the plan of care needs modification. It occurs after the implementation phase and is not the stage where goals are initially formulated. B. Planning is the phase of the nursing process where the nurse develops a care plan based on the assessment data and nursing diagnoses. A primary component of this stage is the formulation of measurable, client-centered goals and expected outcomes. These goals serve as the blueprint for selecting nursing interventions and provide the criteria for the later evaluation of the patient's progress. C. Assessment is the first step of the nursing process, involving the systematic collection of subjective and objective data about the client's health status. While this data informs the entire process, the actual creation of goals does not occur until the data has been analyzed. Goal setting follows the identification of specific nursing diagnoses derived from this initial assessment. D. Implementation is the action-oriented phase where the nurse carries out the interventions identified during the planning stage. This involves performing clinical tasks, providing education, and coordinating care to help the client meet their goals. While implementation is the application of the plan, it is not the stage where the goals themselves are designed.