Ackley and Ladwig’s Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An
Evidence-Based Guide to Planning Care 13th Edition
,Section`I:`Nursing`Diagnosis,`the`Nursing`Process,`and`Evidence-
`Based`Nursing
1. What`is`the`primary`goal`of`a`nursing`diagnosis?
a.`To`identify`a`medical`diagnosis
b.`To`determine`the`effectiveness`of`medications
c.`To`identify`patient`problems`that`can`be`managed`by`nursing`i
nterventions
d.`To`prioritize`physician`orders
ANS:`C
Rationale:`The`primary`goal`of`a`nursing`diagnosis`is`to`identify`patient`problems`t
hat`can`be`managed`by`nursing`interventions,`focusing`on`patient`care`rather`than`m
edical`diagnoses.
NCLEX`Preference:`Understanding`the`distinction`between`nursing`and`medical`
diagnoses`is`crucial`for`patient-centered`care.
2. Which`component`of`the`nursing`diagnosis`indicates`the`problem?
a.`Defining`characteristics
b.`Related`factors
c.`The`actual`diagnosis
d.`The`patient’s`history
ANS:`C
Rationale:`The`actual`diagnosis`represents`the`problem`identified`in`the`nursing`ass
essment.`It`is`essential`for`formulating`a`care`plan.
NCLEX`Preference:`Clear`identification`of`nursing`diagnoses`is`necessary`for`effecti
ve`care`planning.
3. What`does`the`"related`to"`(R/T)`statement`in`a`nursing`diagnosis`signify?
a.`It`identifies`the`patient's`response`to`the`problem
b.`It`indicates`the`underlying`cause`of`the`problem
c.`It`lists`the`symptoms`observed
d.`It`describes`the`treatment`plan
ANS:`B
Rationale:`The`"related`to"`(R/T)`statement`indicates`the`underlying`cause`or`contri
buting`factors`of`the`patient’s`problem,`guiding`intervention`strategies.
,NCLEX`Preference:`Understanding`etiology`is`vital`for`targeted`nursing`interventi
ons.
4. Which`nursing`diagnosis`format`is`used`to`articulate`the`problem`clearly?
a.`Problem-focused`diagnosis
b.`Risk`diagnosis
c.`Health`promotion`diagnosis
d.`All`of`the`above
ANS:`D
Rationale:`All`formats—problem-focused,`risk,`and`health`promotion—
articulate`different`aspects`of`patient`care`and`are`important`in`various`clinical`situa
tions.
NCLEX`Preference:`Familiarity`with`different`nursing`diagnosis`formats`enhance
s`clinical`reasoning.
5. In`which`phase`of`the`nursing`process`is`the`nursing`diagnosis`formulated?
a.`Assessment
b.`Diagnosis
c.`Planning
d.`Implementation
ANS:`B
Rationale:`The`nursing`diagnosis`is`formulated`during`the`diagnosis`phase,`after`co
llecting`and`analyzing`assessment`data.
NCLEX`Preference:`Understanding`the`nursing`process`phases`is`crucial`for`effect
ive`care`delivery.
6. What`is`a`defining`characteristic`in`a`nursing`diagnosis?
a.`The`cause`of`the`problem
b.`The`observable`signs`and`symptoms
c.`The`expected`outcomes
d.`The`patient's`medical`history
ANS:`B
Rationale:`Defining`characteristics`are`the`observable`signs`and`symptoms`that`vali
date`the`nursing`diagnosis`and`provide`evidence`of`the`problem.
NCLEX`Preference:`Identifying`defining`characteristics`is`essential`for`accurate`dia
gnosis`and`planning.
, 7. How`can`a`nurse`validate`a`nursing`diagnosis?
a.`By`relying`solely`on`personal`experience
b.`By`collecting`data`from`various`sources,`including`the`patient
c.`By`discussing`it`only`with`physicians
d.`By`documenting`the`diagnosis`without`evidence
ANS:`B
Rationale:`Validating`a`nursing`diagnosis`involves`collecting`data`from`multiple`so
urces,`including`the`patient,`to`ensure`accuracy`and`relevance.
NCLEX`Preference:`Validation`of`nursing`diagnoses`is`critical`for`patient`safety`a
nd`effective`care.
8. What`role`does`evidence-based`practice`play`in`nursing`diagnoses?
a.`It`complicates`the`diagnosis`process
b.`It`provides`a`scientific`basis`for`nursing`decisions
c.`It`is`optional`for`nursing`practice
d.`It`focuses`solely`on`traditional`methods
ANS:`B
Rationale:`Evidence-
based`practice`provides`a`scientific`basis`for`nursing`decisions,`improving`patient`o
utcomes`and`ensuring`care`is`effective`and`relevant.`NCLEX`Preference:`Knowled
ge`of`evidence-based`practice`is`essential`for`modern`nursing.
9. What`is`the`purpose`of`the`planning`phase`in`the`nursing`process?
a.`To`assess`the`patient’s`condition
b.`To`develop`a`care`plan`with`measurable`goals
c.`To`implement`interventions`immediately
**d.`To`evaluate`patient`outcomes
ANS:`B
Rationale:`The`planning`phase`involves`developing`a`care`plan`with`measurable`go
als`and`outcomes`tailored`to`the`patient’s`needs.
NCLEX`Preference:`Effective`planning`is`key`to`successful`patient`outcomes.
10. How`should`nursing`diagnoses`be`prioritized?
a.`Based`on`the`nurse’s`preference