In the ADPIE framework, which step involves identifying patient problems based on data collected?

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

Answer: (C)

Naming actual or potential problems based on data collected is the nursing diagnosis step. After gathering information in assessment, the nurse analyzes the findings, looks for patterns, and articulates patient problems that nursing care can address. This explicit identification of problems guides the rest of the process: planning sets goals and actions to address those problems, implementation carries out the planned interventions, and evaluation checks whether outcomes were achieved and informs any needed changes. For example, data such as fever, tachycardia, and fatigue can lead to a diagnosis like acute infection or risk for infection, rather than just listing the signs.