Which sequence correctly represents the order of the nursing process steps?

Which sequence correctly represents the order of the nursing process steps?

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

Answer: (A)

The nursing process follows a data-driven cycle: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation. Data collection from assessment provides a clear picture of the patient’s status. From that information, you identify nursing diagnoses that describe patient problems or risks. With those problems in mind, you then plan specific goals and interventions to address them. You carry out the planned actions through implementation, and finally you evaluate the patient’s responses to see if goals were met and adjust the plan as needed. Other sequences don’t fit this flow because they either try to plan without clearly identifying the problem, diagnose without enough data, or evaluate outcomes before actions have been taken.

The nursing process follows a data-driven cycle: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation.

Data collection from assessment provides a clear picture of the patient’s status. From that information, you identify nursing diagnoses that describe patient problems or risks. With those problems in mind, you then plan specific goals and interventions to address them. You carry out the planned actions through implementation, and finally you evaluate the patient’s responses to see if goals were met and adjust the plan as needed.

Other sequences don’t fit this flow because they either try to plan without clearly identifying the problem, diagnose without enough data, or evaluate outcomes before actions have been taken.