The young client says, “I’m really stressed out about this pregnancy.” When the Practical Nurse (PN) responds, “What about this pregnancy worries you?”, he or she is using the technique of:

Choice A reason: Series of assessments that isolate a client’s health problem is not the best definition of the nursing process. The nursing process is not only a series of assessments, but also a series of actions that include planning, implementing, and evaluating the nursing care. The nursing process does not isolate a client’s health problem, but rather identifies and addresses the client’s holistic needs and responses to health and illness. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Framework for the organization of individualized nursing care is the best definition of the nursing process. The nursing process is a framework that guides the nurse’s decision making and actions in providing individualized nursing care to each client. It involves five steps: assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation. It is based on scientific principles, ethical standards, and evidence-based practice. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: Preset formula for the design of nursing care is not the best definition of the nursing process. The nursing process is not a preset formula, but rather a dynamic and flexible method that adapts to the changing needs and situations of each client. It requires critical thinking, creativity, and clinical judgment from the nurse. It also involves collaboration and communication with the client and other members of the health care team. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Method to assure that the physician’s orders are carried out correctly is not the best definition of the nursing process. The nursing process is not a method to assure that the physician’s orders are carried out correctly, but rather a method to provide independent and autonomous nursing care that complements or supplements the medical care. The nursing process reflects the nurse’s scope of practice, responsibility, and accountability for the client’s well-being. It also empowers the client to participate in their own care and achieve their health goals. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the problem is not suspected, but rather the client has a desire to improve or maintain a level of health. A wellness nursing diagnosis describes a potential or actual health state that can be enhanced.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the problem is not suspected, but rather the client has a cluster of related problems that are associated with a specific situation or event. A syndrome nursing diagnosis describes a patern of responses that are linked by a common cause.

Choice C reason: This is correct because it shows that the problem is suspected, but lacks enough data to support it. A ‘risk for’ nursing diagnosis describes a potential problem that may occur if certain risk factors are present.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the problem is not suspected, but rather the client has signs and symptoms that indicate an actual health issue. An actual nursing diagnosis describes a current problem that has been validated by data.