How many steps are in the nursing process?

• A. Four
• B. Five
• C. Seven
• D. Six

Answer: (B)

The nursing process is a systematic, patient-centered approach that consists of five steps: assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The key idea tested here is recognizing this five-step framework as the complete structure you follow to deliver organized, continuous care. You start by gathering and examining all relevant data about the patient and their situation (assessment). Then you interpret that information to identify actual or potential health problems that nursing can address (nursing diagnosis). Next, you decide on specific, measurable outcomes and outline the actions needed to achieve them (planning). You then carry out those actions (implementation), such as administering care, performing skills, and coordinating with other team members. Finally, you evaluate the patient’s response to the interventions and determine whether goals were met, were partially met, or were not met, using that information to revise the plan as needed (evaluation). This loop can cycle back to the assessment stage if changes occur. While some texts might present different numbers if they group or split parts of the process, the standard, widely taught model uses five steps, which is why five is the best answer.