What is the primary purpose of a nursing diagnosis?

The primary purpose of a nursing diagnosis is to identify health problems that nurses can treat independently. This process involves a comprehensive assessment of the patient's physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors. By establishing a nursing diagnosis, the nurse can develop a personalized care plan that addresses specific patient needs and promotes positive health outcomes.

Nursing diagnoses are guided by the standards set forth by professional organizations such as the NANDA International (NANDA-I). These diagnoses help nurses to go beyond the medical diagnosis, which is typically made by physicians, allowing them to recognize and treat conditions that nurses have the competence to manage. This autonomy in nursing practice is crucial for effective patient care and emphasizes the unique role that nurses play in the healthcare team.

While documenting patient progress is important, and evaluating physician treatment plans can be a part of nursing practice, these actions support broader healthcare goals and do not define the primary function of a nursing diagnosis. Similarly, providing educational resources is a valuable aspect of patient care, but it is secondary to the immediate clinical focus on diagnosing and managing specific health issues that nurses are trained to handle.