Before making critical nursing decisions, what do nurses typically do?

• A. Order diagnostic tests
• B. Review the care plan with the team
• C. Document chart notes
• D. Perform physical exams and health histories

Answer: (D)

In nursing, gathering the essential data through a health history and a thorough physical exam is the first and most important step before deciding on any interventions. This assessment provides baseline information, reveals current symptoms, conditions, medications, allergies, and functional status, and helps identify actual or potential problems and priorities. With this information, a nurse can make informed decisions, set priorities, and plan appropriate care.

Other options don’t fit as the initial action: ordering diagnostic tests requires specific orders and is not done by the nurse alone; reviewing the care plan with the team is important but occurs after or alongside assessment to ensure decisions align with goals; documenting chart notes is part of ongoing data capture but relies on the information gathered from history and exam to be meaningful.