In the planning phase of the nursing process, which outputs comprise the plan of care?

In the planning phase of the nursing process, which outputs comprise the plan of care?

• A. Data collection and assessment
• B. Implementing interventions
• C. Evaluating outcomes
• D. A plan of care with client-centered goals and expected outcomes

Answer: (D)

In planning, the outputs that form the plan of care are a document that specifies client-centered goals and the expected outcomes—together with the nursing interventions and how progress will be measured. This plan translates what was learned in assessment into concrete, forward-looking steps: what the patient aims to achieve, how success will be defined and measured, and what actions will be taken to reach those targets. It often includes timelines, who is responsible for each action, and criteria for evaluating progress. Data collection and assessment belong to the assessment phase, where you gather information and identify problems. Implementing interventions happens during the implementation phase, when you carry out the planned actions. Evaluating outcomes occurs in the evaluation phase, where you determine whether the goals were met and adjust the plan as needed.

In planning, the outputs that form the plan of care are a document that specifies client-centered goals and the expected outcomes—together with the nursing interventions and how progress will be measured. This plan translates what was learned in assessment into concrete, forward-looking steps: what the patient aims to achieve, how success will be defined and measured, and what actions will be taken to reach those targets. It often includes timelines, who is responsible for each action, and criteria for evaluating progress.

Data collection and assessment belong to the assessment phase, where you gather information and identify problems. Implementing interventions happens during the implementation phase, when you carry out the planned actions. Evaluating outcomes occurs in the evaluation phase, where you determine whether the goals were met and adjust the plan as needed.