During which nursing process step are expected outcomes clarified and a plan of care developed?

During which nursing process step are expected outcomes clarified and a plan of care developed?

• A. Assessment
• B. Planning
• C. Implementation
• D. Evaluation

Answer: (B)

The planning phase is where outcomes are clarified and a plan of care is developed. After gathering and analyzing data in the assessment, the nurse uses that information to set specific, patient-centered outcomes (the goals) and to design the interventions needed to achieve them. This phase creates the roadmap for care, detailing what will be done, by whom, and in what timeframe, so progress can be measured later. In contrast, assessment is about collecting and analyzing data to understand the patient’s needs; implementation is putting the planned interventions into action; and evaluation is determining whether the outcomes were achieved and deciding if adjustments are needed.

The planning phase is where outcomes are clarified and a plan of care is developed. After gathering and analyzing data in the assessment, the nurse uses that information to set specific, patient-centered outcomes (the goals) and to design the interventions needed to achieve them. This phase creates the roadmap for care, detailing what will be done, by whom, and in what timeframe, so progress can be measured later.

In contrast, assessment is about collecting and analyzing data to understand the patient’s needs; implementation is putting the planned interventions into action; and evaluation is determining whether the outcomes were achieved and deciding if adjustments are needed.