During evaluation of a nursing care plan, which aspect should be used to determine success?

• A. Whether nursing interventions were completed
• B. The goals and outcomes established during planning
• C. The patient’s satisfaction with care
• D. The nursing assessment data collected

Answer: (B)

Evaluation hinges on whether the established goals and outcomes have been met. In the nursing care plan, you set specific, observable outcomes during planning. When you evaluate, you compare the patient’s actual status to those expected results. If the outcomes are achieved within the planned time frame, the care plan is successful and no major revisions are needed. If they aren’t, you revisit the plan and adjust interventions to improve progress.

While finishing interventions, patient satisfaction, and the initial assessment data are all important parts of care, they don’t by themselves determine overall success. Completing tasks shows process adherence; satisfaction reflects the care experience; and assessment data provide inputs. The decisive measure of success is attainment of the planned goals and outcomes.