What is the objective of the Evaluation Phase in nursing?

The objective of the Evaluation Phase in nursing is to determine the effectiveness of nursing interventions. This phase is crucial because it involves assessing whether the goals and desired outcomes set during the planning phase have been achieved after implementing care strategies. By evaluating the patient's responses and progress, the nurse can ascertain if the interventions were successful in addressing the patient's needs.

This phase often includes the measurement of specific outcomes, such as improvements in vital signs, changes in symptoms, or achievement of rehabilitation milestones. If the desired outcomes are not met, this evaluation provides the opportunity to modify the care plan, adjust interventions, and set new goals to better support the patient's recovery and health needs.

In contrast, the gathering of patient histories and preferences is foundational to the Assessment Phase, while monitoring ongoing patient care is an integral part of implementation. Establishing a baseline for patient outcomes is typically done at the beginning of the nursing process during assessment and planning, rather than in the evaluation stage.