Which stage of the nursing process involves identifying patient health problems?

The stage of the nursing process that involves identifying patient health problems is the diagnosis stage. In this phase, nurses analyze the information gathered during the assessment, which includes patient history, physical examination findings, and any relevant diagnostic tests. The goal is to interpret this data in order to determine health issues or medical conditions affecting the patient.

During the diagnosis stage, nurses formulate nursing diagnoses based on their analysis. These diagnoses highlight specific problems that require nursing intervention and can involve actual health issues, potential issues, or wellness concerns. This step is critical because accurately identifying the patient's problems is foundational for developing an effective care plan and implementing appropriate interventions later.

By clearly defining the nursing diagnosis, healthcare providers can improve communication among the interdisciplinary team and ensure that patient care is tailored to address the unique health challenges presented by each individual. This contributes to better health outcomes and overall patient satisfaction.