Which step of the nursing process involves identifying patient health issues based on assessment?

The step of the nursing process that involves identifying patient health issues based on assessment is diagnosis. In this phase, the nurse analyzes the data collected from various assessments to identify actual or potential health problems and formulate a nursing diagnosis. This process transforms assessment findings into clinical judgments that guide the subsequent steps of planning, implementation, and evaluation.

At this stage, the nurse not only recognizes health issues but also considers factors such as the patient's specific health status, needs, and responses to potential or actual health problems, leading to a tailored approach in care. This crucial understanding sets the foundation for developing appropriate care strategies that align with the patient's needs.

In contrast, the planning step focuses on setting goals and determining the best course of action for the patient's care. Implementation is centered around executing the planned interventions, while evaluation assesses the effectiveness of those interventions in achieving desired patient outcomes. Each of these phases is distinct, but diagnosis is specifically about articulating the health issues identified during the assessment phase.