When a nurse selects interventions to assist the patient in meeting the demonstrated needs, the nurse is in which phase of the nursing process?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Evaluation is the step where the nurse determines if the previously selected interventions were successful in meeting the patient's goals. It involves comparing the patient's actual outcomes with the expected outcomes established earlier in the process. This phase occurs after the interventions have been carried out and the patient's response has been assessed. B. Planning is the phase of the nursing process where the nurse develops a roadmap for care by setting measurable goals and selecting specific nursing interventions. These interventions are chosen based on the nursing diagnoses to address the patient's identified needs. This stage requires clinical prioritization and collaboration with the patient and the interprofessional healthcare team. C. Implementation is the "action" phase where the nurse actually performs the interventions that were selected during the planning stage. This includes activities such as administering medications, providing patient teaching, or performing wound care. It is the phase where the plan of care is put into motion to achieve the desired patient outcomes. D. Assessment is the foundational step involving the continuous collection and verification of data from various sources. This information is used to identify the patient's health status and needs, which then informs the rest of the nursing process. Assessment must be completed before a nurse can accurately plan interventions or make clinical diagnoses.