The planning step of the nursing process includes which of the following activities?

Appeared in: DHS Staff Nurse - 2018 (Shift-2nd)

Explanation

The planning step is the third phase of the nursing process, following assessment and diagnosis.
This phase involves prioritizing nursing diagnoses, establishing patient-centered goals, and selecting appropriate nursing interventions to achieve these goals.
A key activity in planning is the development of a formal care plan, which serves as a guide for all healthcare team members.
Goals are often formulated using the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Option A: Assessing (gathering data) and diagnosing (identifying problems) are the first two steps of the nursing process that must be completed before planning can begin.
Option B: Evaluating goal achievement is the fifth and final step of the nursing process. It takes place after the plan has been implemented to measure its success.
Option C: Performing nursing actions and documenting them describes the implementation phase (the fourth step), where the care plan is put into action.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Steps of the Nursing Process helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
The planning step is critical for ensuring patient safety and quality of care. A well-developed care plan provides clear direction, promotes consistency among caregivers, and ensures that care is individualized and evidence-based.
It serves as a vital communication tool for the entire healthcare team, promoting continuity of care across shifts, departments, and disciplines.
What if? If a nurse moves directly from diagnosis to action without a formal planning step, interventions may be disorganized, conflicting, or based on assumptions rather than clear goals. This can lead to inefficient care, poor patient outcomes, and an increased risk of errors.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the 'planning step' of the 'nursing process'.
Recall the five steps of the nursing process, often remembered by the mnemonic ADPIE: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation.
Analyze each option to determine which activity aligns with the 'Planning' phase.
Option A, 'Assessing and diagnosing,' corresponds to the 'A' and 'D' steps.
Option B, 'Evaluating goal achievement,' corresponds to the 'E' step.
Option C, 'Performing nursing actions,' corresponds to the 'I' (Implementation) step.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor pp. 481-483, 459-461, 477-479

Practise the full DHS Staff Nurse - 2018 (Shift-2nd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.