In the nursing process, what is the step that follows Assessment?

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

Answer: (C)

After gathering data, the next step is to interpret what those findings mean for the patient and identify problems that nursing care can address. This is the nursing diagnosis. It turns the gathered information into a clear statement of actual or potential health issues that require nursing actions, distinguishing it from a medical diagnosis made by a physician. The nursing diagnosis provides the focus for planning, guiding which goals to set and which interventions to choose.

For example, if assessment reveals persistent pain, limited movement, and anxiety, you would articulate a nursing diagnosis such as acute pain or impaired physical mobility, which then informs the plan of care. From there, you move on to planning (setting goals and selecting interventions), implementation (carrying out the plan), and evaluation (assessing whether outcomes were met and adjusting as needed).