Which component writes the care plan?

• A. Assessment
• B. Nursing diagnoses
• C. Outcomes
• D. Planning

Answer: (D)

Writing the care plan happens during the planning phase of the nursing process. After gathering data in assessment and identifying problems through nursing diagnoses, the nurse sets measurable outcomes and selects appropriate interventions, then documents these in the care plan. Assessment is about data collection, nursing diagnoses pinpoint problems, and outcomes define the targets to achieve; planning brings all of these elements together into the formal care plan that guides implementation and evaluation.