A nurse is meeting with a client who has been treated at a substance use disorder clinic for three months. The client has had two follow up appointments at the clinic since their first visit, has attended a community-based peer support group twice weekly, and has taken their prescribed medication as directed. The nurse is discussing the effectiveness of these interventions with the client. The nurse is completing which of the following phases of the nursing process?

A. Analysis/diagnosis involves interpreting assessment data to identify actual or potential health problems and formulating nursing diagnoses. This phase occurs earlier in the nursing process, before interventions are implemented, and is focused on understanding the client’s needs rather than assessing outcomes. B. Planning is the phase in which the nurse develops measurable goals and selects interventions to address the client’s needs. Planning occurs before implementing actions, not after interventions have already been carried out. C. Implementation involves carrying out the nursing interventions identified in the planning phase, such as medication administration, education, or support group referrals. While the client has already been participating in interventions, the nurse’s discussion of effectiveness is not part of the implementation phase. D. Evaluation is the phase in which the nurse determines the effectiveness of nursing interventions and the client’s progress toward established goals. By reviewing the client’s follow-up appointments, adherence to medication, and participation in support groups, the nurse assesses whether the interventions are producing the desired outcomes and determines if adjustments to the care plan are needed.