Which step of the nursing process comes after Assessment?

• A. Plan
• B. Diagnose
• C. Implement
• D. Evaluate

Answer: (B)

Interpreting assessment data to identify patient problems is the next step after collecting information. This yields the nursing diagnosis, which reflects actual or potential responses to health conditions that nursing care can address. The nursing diagnosis then guides the subsequent steps: planning goals and interventions, implementing those interventions, and evaluating outcomes. So after assessment, the nurse formulates the diagnosis, not the plan, actions, or evaluation.