Which phase of the nursing process involves identifying patient problems that can be addressed with nursing interventions?

• A. Evaluation phase
• B. Diagnosis phase
• C. Planning phase
• D. Assessment phase

Answer: (B)

During the nursing diagnosis phase, the nurse interprets assessment data to identify patient responses to health conditions that can be addressed with nursing actions. This is the step where nursing diagnoses are created—statements about actual or potential problems that nursing interventions can influence. In contrast, assessment is about gathering data, planning is about setting goals and selecting interventions, and evaluation checks whether outcomes were achieved. Medical diagnoses describe the disease process and are typically managed by physicians. So, the phase that identifies problems to be addressed with nursing interventions is the nursing diagnosis phase.