What are the stages of the nursing process?

The stages of the nursing process are crucial for providing organized and efficient patient care. The correct option outlines five key stages: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

The first stage, assessment, involves gathering comprehensive information about the patient’s health status through observations, interviews, and physical examinations. This foundational step allows nurses to identify health needs accurately.

The second stage is diagnosis, where the nurse interprets the assessment data to identify potential or actual health problems. This step is essential for developing effective care plans tailored to the patient's specific needs.

Next is planning, where the nurse formulates measurable and achievable goals, prioritizing the identified issues. This stage ensures that the care provided is structured and directed toward improving patient outcomes.

Implementation follows, which includes executing the planned interventions. At this stage, nurses apply their skills to carry out treatments, educate patients, and coordinate care while also communicating with other healthcare professionals.

Finally, the evaluation stage involves assessing the effectiveness of the interventions and determining whether the desired outcomes have been achieved. This ongoing process allows for adjustments to be made to ensure the patient's health needs continue to be met.

The other options do not comprehensively cover the structured approach that the nursing process entails, as they include steps that either lack a