Which term describes the cluster of signs and symptoms used to identify a nursing diagnosis?

• A. Defining Characteristics
• B. Risk Factors
• C. Etiology
• D. Readiness for Enhanced Wellness

Answer: (A)

Defining characteristics are the signs and symptoms that verify a nursing diagnosis. They are the observable cues and patient-reported experiences nurses gather during assessment to confirm that a problem exists. This set of data distinguishes the actual diagnosis from related ideas like risk factors, which predispose but don’t confirm a problem, and etiologies, which explain the cause. Readiness for Enhanced Wellness is a different type of diagnosis focused on potential improvement rather than current symptoms. For example, to identify an acute pain nursing diagnosis, you’d look for expressed pain intensity, guarding, restlessness, facial grimacing, and limited movement—the defining characteristics that support the diagnosis.