In the Evaluation Process, which step involves continuing to modify or terminate the client’s care plan?

• A. Identify desired outcomes
• B. Collect data
• C. Compare data with goals
• D. Continue to modify or terminate the patient’s care plan

Answer: (D)

In evaluation, you determine what happened with the patient’s outcomes and what should happen next. After collecting and reviewing data, you compare actual progress to the goals you set and decide the clinical course. If outcomes aren’t met, you modify the care plan and continue the plan; if goals are met, you terminate the plan; and if progress is partial, you adjust and continue. The step involving continuing to modify or terminate the care plan is the evaluative decision-making part, where you determine the subsequent actions based on how well the patient is progressing. The other steps occur earlier in the cycle: identifying desired outcomes happens during planning, and collecting data happens during assessment. Comparing data with goals is part of evaluation, but the specific action of changing or ending the plan reflects the evaluation decision.