During which process are outcome indicators typically evaluated by the nurse?

During the evaluation process, outcome indicators are typically assessed by the nurse to determine whether the expected goals of care have been met. This phase of the nursing process involves comparing the patient's health status to the expected outcomes established during the planning stage. It provides vital feedback that allows nurses to modify care plans as necessary based on the success or failure in achieving those outcomes.

Outcome indicators serve as measurable criteria that help evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. For example, if a nursing plan aims to reduce a patient’s pain level, the evaluation would involve assessing the patient’s reported pain level after interventions have been implemented. This step ensures continuity of care and guides adjustments to develop an individualized approach suited to the patient’s needs.

The other processes, such as assessment, planning, and implementation, play essential roles in patient care but do not focus on the evaluation of outcome indicators specifically. Assessment gathers data, planning formulates strategies based on that data, and implementation puts those strategies into action, but it is in the evaluation stage that the success of those actions is measured.