Which statement best describes nursing diagnosis?

Which statement best describes nursing diagnosis?

• A. A medical diagnosis describes a disease process
• B. Clinical judgment in response to actual or potential health problems
• C. Changes possibly from day to day as the patient's response changes
• D. Not used in planning care

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is that a nursing diagnosis is a clinical judgment made by the nurse about how a patient is responding to health problems, and it guides what nursing interventions are needed. This focus on the patient’s actual or potential responses distinguishes it from a medical diagnosis, which identifies a disease or pathology and is usually made by a physician. A nursing diagnosis is not just labeling; it directs the planning of care by outlining what nursing actions will help the patient address the identified responses and improve outcomes. As the patient’s condition and responses change, the nursing diagnosis can be updated to reflect new priorities and interventions. Saying not to use nursing diagnoses in planning care is inaccurate because they are the framework that shapes the entire nursing care plan.

The idea being tested is that a nursing diagnosis is a clinical judgment made by the nurse about how a patient is responding to health problems, and it guides what nursing interventions are needed. This focus on the patient’s actual or potential responses distinguishes it from a medical diagnosis, which identifies a disease or pathology and is usually made by a physician. A nursing diagnosis is not just labeling; it directs the planning of care by outlining what nursing actions will help the patient address the identified responses and improve outcomes. As the patient’s condition and responses change, the nursing diagnosis can be updated to reflect new priorities and interventions. Saying not to use nursing diagnoses in planning care is inaccurate because they are the framework that shapes the entire nursing care plan.