Which statement best describes the evaluation step in the nursing process?

Which statement best describes the evaluation step in the nursing process?

• A. It involves diagnosing new problems
• B. It focuses on planning care for the next shift
• C. It compares actual outcomes with expected outcomes
• D. It assesses only the patient's comfort.

Answer: (C)

Evaluation is the step where you judge how well the patient’s outcomes have been achieved by comparing the actual results with what was expected in the plan. This comparison shows whether the interventions worked, if goals were met, partially met, or not met, and it guides necessary changes to the care plan. For example, if the goal is to reduce pain to a certain level and the patient’s pain remains higher, you would adjust the analgesia plan and reassess. Evaluation is not about diagnosing new problems (that happens earlier in assessment/diagnosis), nor is it solely about planning for the next shift (planning occurs before or alongside implementation), and it isn’t limited to assessing comfort alone—evaluation looks at all defined outcomes, including safety, functional status, and physiological measures.

Evaluation is the step where you judge how well the patient’s outcomes have been achieved by comparing the actual results with what was expected in the plan. This comparison shows whether the interventions worked, if goals were met, partially met, or not met, and it guides necessary changes to the care plan. For example, if the goal is to reduce pain to a certain level and the patient’s pain remains higher, you would adjust the analgesia plan and reassess. Evaluation is not about diagnosing new problems (that happens earlier in assessment/diagnosis), nor is it solely about planning for the next shift (planning occurs before or alongside implementation), and it isn’t limited to assessing comfort alone—evaluation looks at all defined outcomes, including safety, functional status, and physiological measures.