Which sequence correctly reflects the nursing process steps for budgeting?

• A. Assess, Diagnosis, Plan, Implement, Evaluate
• B. Assess, Plan, Diagnosis, Implement, Evaluate
• C. Diagnosis, Assess, Plan, Implement
• D. Assess, Evaluate, Plan, Implement, Diagnosis

Answer: (A)

The nursing process follows a clear flow: gather information, interpret it, plan care, implement the plan, and evaluate the outcomes. Start with assessment to collect all relevant patient data and resource information. Then identify nursing diagnoses based on that data. Next, plan care by setting goals and outlining interventions, including budgeting considerations to ensure the plan is feasible with available resources. Carry out the planned interventions in the implementation phase. Finally, evaluate the results to determine if goals were met and decide on any necessary adjustments.

This order—assess, diagnose, plan, implement, evaluate—reflects how care is logically built from information to action to accountability. If you move steps out of order, you risk basing decisions on incomplete data, pursuing actions without a defined plan, or measuring outcomes without having implemented anything.