In the evaluation phase, how is goal attainment determined?

• A. During evaluation, nurses collect more baseline data.
• B. During evaluation, nurses rewrite the care plan.
• C. During evaluation, nurses only review medication orders.
• D. During evaluation, nurses determine whether the desired outcome was achieved by comparing current health status with the desired outcome.

Answer: (D)

In the evaluation phase, the key task is to determine whether the patient achieved the planned outcomes by comparing the current health status to the desired outcomes set in the plan. After interventions, the nurse collects data—such as symptom changes, functional abilities, vital signs, and other relevant measurements—and assesses how closely these align with the targets established in advance. If the current status matches or exceeds the expected outcome, the goal is considered attained, and the plan can be continued, adjusted only as needed, or concluded. If the outcome isn’t met, the care plan is reassessed and revised—interventions may be modified, new goals set, or previous goals refined—so care remains focused on achieving measurable results.