Which of the following best describes the nursing process?

The nursing process is defined as a systematic approach to providing care that encompasses multiple stages: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This structured method allows nurses to assess patients’ needs holistically, leading to comprehensive care that is tailored to each individual.

Assessment involves gathering comprehensive data about the patient's health status, including physical exams, health histories, and any relevant tests. Following this, diagnosis entails making clinical judgments based on the assessment data, allowing nurses to identify actual or potential health problems.

Next is the planning phase, where nurses develop a care plan that outlines the goals and interventions for the patient's care, reflecting on both the diagnoses and the patient’s individual needs. Implementation then involves executing the care plan through interventions and treatment. Finally, evaluation assesses the effectiveness of the care provided, determining if the goals were met and identifying any necessary changes to the plan.

This systematic cycle ensures a high standard of nursing care and is foundational to nursing practice, allowing for continuous improvement and responsiveness to patients' evolving health needs.