Which statement best defines a nursing diagnosis?

Which statement best defines a nursing diagnosis?

• A. A medical diagnosis identified by physician
• B. A plan of care created by nurse
• C. A patient response to a health problem requiring nursing intervention
• D. A disease diagnosis requiring specialized treatment

Answer: (C)

A nursing diagnosis is a clinical judgment about a patient’s actual or potential response to a health problem that requires nursing intervention. It shifts the focus from the disease itself to how the patient is affected and what nurses can do to address those effects. This distinguishes it from a medical diagnosis, which names the disease or condition identified by a physician, and from a plan of care, which outlines the actions taken. A nursing diagnosis guides the care plan by specifying the patient’s specific responses and the corresponding nursing measures needed to improve or prevent issues. For example, “Acute pain related to surgical incision as evidenced by verbal pain rating, guarding, and limited movement” shows a patient response and the nursing actions that will target pain relief and comfort.

A nursing diagnosis is a clinical judgment about a patient’s actual or potential response to a health problem that requires nursing intervention. It shifts the focus from the disease itself to how the patient is affected and what nurses can do to address those effects. This distinguishes it from a medical diagnosis, which names the disease or condition identified by a physician, and from a plan of care, which outlines the actions taken. A nursing diagnosis guides the care plan by specifying the patient’s specific responses and the corresponding nursing measures needed to improve or prevent issues. For example, “Acute pain related to surgical incision as evidenced by verbal pain rating, guarding, and limited movement” shows a patient response and the nursing actions that will target pain relief and comfort.