Online Companion: Fundamentals of Nursing Standards and Practice 2E

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the nurse find time to evaluate care when the client's hospital stay is short?

Evaluation of care is an ongoing part of daily nursing activities and should not be delayed until the client is preparing for discharge. Since evaluation is done primarily to determine whether the client is progressing toward a healthier state, periodic check-in on this progress promotes quality care. In Chapter 10, there is a table that details the focus of evaluation at each phase of nursing process.

The client's health status depends on many factors one of which is nursing care. How does evaluation determine what part nursing care has played in the client's experience?

A systematic approach to evaluation begins with establishing standards. Criteria are used to determine whether the client's condition reflects improved health status. The nursing care provided to the client is evaluated based on the goals that were designed for that care. Nurses work in a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals. Each makes a unique contribution to client care. When these professionals collaborate for evaluation. A continuum of care can be coordinated.