Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is the first step in formulating a client outcome?

1. Implementing the care plan

2. Formulating nursing diagnoses and interventions

3. Assessing the client's progress

4. Reviewing past medical history

The correct answer is: Formulating nursing diagnoses and interventions

Formulating nursing diagnoses and interventions is indeed the foundational step in creating client outcomes. This process involves gathering comprehensive data about the client’s health status, including their physical, emotional, and social needs. By analyzing this information, the nurse can identify specific nursing diagnoses that provide a framework for understanding the client’s issues. Once nursing diagnoses are established, the nurse can determine appropriate interventions to address these issues, setting the stage for measurable outcomes. This approach ensures that the care plan is tailored to the individual client, promoting optimal health and recovery. The formulation of nursing diagnoses and interventions sets specific goals and desired results, which later guides the implementation and evaluation of the care plan. Other steps such as assessing the client's progress or implementing the care plan come after this initial step and rely on the groundwork established through nursing diagnoses. Reviewing past medical history can provide context but does not directly contribute to forming immediate client outcomes, making the initial step of diagnosis and planning crucial for effective nursing practice.