Which nursing process activity involves deliberate, systematic review of assessment data and nursing diagnoses to identify outcomes?

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

Answer: (C)

Evaluating progress means reviewing what was assessed, the nursing diagnoses identified, and the outcomes that were set to determine whether those outcomes have been met. This step looks at how the patient has responded to interventions, analyzes the data to judge effectiveness, and decides if the care plan should be continued, adjusted, or terminated. It ties together the assessment information and the diagnoses to determine progress toward goals and to guide next steps.

For context, assessment is the data-gathering phase, planning is about setting goals and choosing interventions, and implementation is carrying out those interventions. Evaluation sits at the end of that cycle, confirming outcomes and informing any revisions to the plan.