A nurse is reviewing the steps of the nursing process with a group of nursing students. Which of the following statements by one of the students indicates an understanding of the evaluation phase?

Choice A reason:

Comparing data with normal values and standards is an important action for the nurse to take during the assessment phase of the nursing process. This helps the nurse to identify any deviations from normal and potential problems that need further investigation or intervention.

Choice B reason:

Organizing data into clusters that have similar underlying causes is another action that the nurse should take during the assessment phase. This helps the nurse to recognize patterns and relationships among the data and to formulate nursing diagnoses.

Choice C reason:

Validating data by using multiple sources of information is also an action that the nurse should take during the assessment phase. This helps the nurse to ensure that the data are accurate, complete, and factual, and to avoid making assumptions or errors.

Choice D reason:

Documenting data using standardized terminology and abbreviations is not an action that the nurse should take during the assessment phase of the nursing process. Although documentation is an essential part of nursing practice, it is not specific to the assessment phase. Moreover, standardized terminology and abbreviations are not always appropriate or clear for documenting data.

Choice E reason:

Prioritizing data according to urgency and importance is another action that the nurse should take during the assessment phase of the nursing process. This helps the nurse to focus on the most relevant and significant data and to plan for further assessment or intervention based on the patient's needs and priorities.

Choice A reason:

The PES format (problem, etiology, signs and symptoms) is the most comprehensive and accurate way to write a nursing diagnostic statement. It identifies the nursing problem, the cause or contributing factors, and the evidence or manifestations of the problem. For example, a possible PES statement for the client with COPD and shortness of breath and fatigue with minimal exertion is: Ineffective breathing pattern related to chronic airway obstruction as evidenced by dyspnea, tachypnea, and use of accessory muscles.

Choice B reason:

The PE format (problem, etiology) is a two-part diagnostic statement that omits the signs and symptoms of the problem. It is less specific and does not provide enough information to guide the nursing interventions and outcomes. For example, a possible PE statement for the client with COPD and shortness of breath and fatigue with minimal exertion is: Ineffective breathing pattern related to chronic airway obstruction. This statement does not indicate how the problem is manifested or measured.

Choice C reason:

The PS format (problem, signs and symptoms) is a two-part diagnostic statement that omits the etiology or cause of the problem. It is less precise and does not identify the factors that contribute to or influence the problem. For example, a possible PS statement for the client with COPD and shortness of breath and fatigue with minimal exertion is: Ineffective breathing pattern as evidenced by dyspnea, tachypnea, and use of accessory muscles. This statement does not indicate why the problem exists or what can be done to address it.

Choice D reason:

The ES format (etiology, signs and symptoms) is a two-part diagnostic statement that omits the problem or nursing diagnosis. It is incomplete and does not state what the actual or potential health issue is. For example, a possible ES statement for the client with COPD and shortness of breath and fatigue with minimal exertion is: Chronic airway obstruction as evidenced by dyspnea, tachypnea, and use of accessory muscles. This statement does not indicate what the nursing problem is or what the desired outcome is.