In the Evaluation Process, which step involves drawing conclusions about problem states?

• A. Draw conclusions about problem states
• B. Identifying desired outcomes
• C. Collecting data related to goals
• D. Compare data with goals

Answer: (A)

In evaluation, you interpret what the data mean for the patient’s current situation. After collecting data and seeing how it lines up with the set goals, you synthesize those findings to draw conclusions about the problem state—whether the problem is resolved, still present, or has changed in some way. That concluding interpretation guides the next steps in the care plan, such as continuing, adjusting, or terminating interventions. The other activities—identifying desired outcomes, collecting data, and comparing data with goals—are parts of measuring progress, but the step that formalizes what the data say about the actual problem status is the process of drawing those conclusions.