In evaluating client care, which action should the nurse take first?

In evaluating client care, which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Document the care provided
• B. Administer the next prescribed intervention
• C. Review the patient's chart for accuracy
• D. Determine if the expected outcomes of care were achieved

Answer: (D)

Evaluating client care begins with determining whether the expected outcomes have been achieved by comparing the patient’s current status to the goals set for care. This step shows whether the plan is working and informs the next actions—continue the current plan if outcomes are met, or modify the plan if they aren’t. Documenting care and reviewing the chart are important tasks, but they support evaluation after outcome attainment is assessed. Administering the next prescribed intervention belongs to the implementation phase, not the evaluation step.

Evaluating client care begins with determining whether the expected outcomes have been achieved by comparing the patient’s current status to the goals set for care. This step shows whether the plan is working and informs the next actions—continue the current plan if outcomes are met, or modify the plan if they aren’t. Documenting care and reviewing the chart are important tasks, but they support evaluation after outcome attainment is assessed. Administering the next prescribed intervention belongs to the implementation phase, not the evaluation step.