Correct Answer: outcome identification.
the question asks which nursing process is being demonstrated when a nurse ensures a patient understands which foods and liquids to avoid before an invasive procedure. the correct answer here is "outcome identification." to fully understand why this is the correct answer, it's helpful to review the different components of the nursing process, which include assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
assessment involves the systematic gathering of information related to the physical, mental, spiritual, socioeconomic, and cultural status of an individual, group, or community. nursing diagnosis refers to the use of critical thinking skills to identify health problems after a thorough assessment. planning involves setting measurable and achievable short- and long-range goals for patient care.
in this scenario, the nurse is focused on a specific aspect of the planning phase: outcome identification. outcome identification involves determining the specific results or desired outcomes that one aims to achieve in the care process. these outcomes guide the selection of interventions and serve as benchmarks against which to evaluate the progress of care.
the nurse in the scenario is addressing the outcome of ensuring the patient maintains proper nutrition and avoids specific foods and liquids that may interfere with the success of the upcoming invasive procedure. by informing and educating the patient about dietary restrictions, the nurse is directly contributing to achieving a successful health outcome related to the procedure.
implementation, another part of the nursing process, involves carrying out or executing the planned interventions. in this case, the nurse's action of educating the patient about what to avoid eating or drinking is an implementation of the intervention designed to achieve the identified outcome.
thus, while it may seem that the nurse is also implementing interventions (which is true), the focus on what the nurse is primarily demonstrating in this question is the process of outcome identification. she is ensuring that the goals of care (proper pre-procedure nutrition) are well understood and agreed upon, which is crucial for the success of the intervention and ultimately the procedure.
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