Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

The nursing process directly links nursing diagnosis to what aspect of care?

1. Client's financial status

2. Individual outcomes

3. Available resources

4. Hospital policies

The correct answer is: Individual outcomes

The nursing process is a systematic method that nurses use to assess patient needs, establish nursing diagnoses, plan care, implement interventions, and evaluate outcomes. Linking nursing diagnoses to individual outcomes is fundamental because it ensures that care is tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of the patient. Each diagnosis leads to a clear set of expected outcomes that are individualized based on the patient's unique situation, preferences, and desired results. This relationship is critical in promoting patient-centered care, ensuring that interventions are relevant and directly supportive of the patient's health improvements. In contrast, while a patient's financial status, available resources, and hospital policies may influence the overall care environment, they are not the direct focus when linking nursing diagnoses to care outcomes. These factors may impact the feasibility or accessibility of treatment options but do not directly define the expected results of nursing interventions based on the patient's specific diagnoses.