The systematic method of problem solving that forms the foundation for nursing practice is known as the

• A. Nursing history
• B. Nursing process
• C. Health history
• D. Subjective data

Answer: (B)

The nursing process is a systematic, patient-centered problem-solving framework that underpins all nursing actions. It unfolds in a cycle: assess the patient and their drug therapy, identify nursing diagnoses related to medication needs or responses, plan goals and select interventions, implement those interventions (including safe medication administration and patient teaching), and evaluate outcomes to adjust the plan as needed. In pharmacology practice, this structure ensures safe, effective drug therapy by guiding data gathering on medications and patient factors, organizing clinical reasoning around drug-related problems, and enabling ongoing monitoring and modification of care. Data collection or parts of the process—like a patient’s health history or subjective statements—are essential components, but they don’t represent the full, systematic framework that guides nursing practice.