Which phase focuses on establishing patient goals and outcomes?

• A. Assessment
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Evaluation
• D. Planning phase

Answer: (D)

The planning phase is where you establish patient goals and outcomes. After identifying problems, this phase translates them into specific, measurable objectives and outlines the interventions and timelines needed to reach them. Goals are made patient-centered and observable, often using SMART criteria to ensure they’re clear and achievable. Evaluation then measures progress against these goals to determine if they were met and to decide on any needed changes. Assessment is about gathering data, and diagnosis interprets that data into problems; planning is the step that sets the targets to hit.