Which step of the nursing process involves validating and clustering data to identify the patient problem?

• A. Assessment
• B. Analysis/Identification
• C. Planning
• D. Implementation

Answer: (B)

This question tests the step in the nursing process where data are verified and organized to reveal the patient’s actual or potential problems. After collecting information during assessment, the nurse validates the data to ensure accuracy and consistency, then clusters related cues to form patterns that point to a problem. This analysis leads to identifying the nursing diagnoses that will drive planning. The other steps aren’t about identifying problems from data: assessment is about gathering information, planning is about setting goals and selecting interventions, and implementation is about carrying out those interventions.