EVALUATION
Introduction
- Definition: To evaluate is to judge.
- Evaluation determines whether nursing interventions should be
terminated, continued, or changed.
- Evaluating is a planned, ongoing, purposeful activity where clients
and health care professionals determine:
- Client's progress toward achievement of goals/outcomes.
- Effectiveness of the nursing care plan.
Evaluation Timing and Continuity
- Evaluation is done while or immediately after implementing a
nursing order, enabling the nurse to make on-the-spot
modifications in an intervention.
- Evaluation continues until discharge.
- Through evaluation, nurses demonstrate responsibility and
accountability for their actions.
Process of Evaluating Client Responses
1. Collecting Data Related to Desired Outcomes
- Collect data (subjective and objective) to draw conclusions
about whether goals have been met.
- Record data concisely and accurately to facilitate the next part
of the evaluating process.
2. Comparing Data with Outcomes
- Both nurse and client play an active role in comparing the client’s actual
responses with desired outcomes.
Examples:
 Did the client drink 2500 mL in 24 hours?
 Did the client's urinary output balance with fluid intake?
- Nurse draws one of three possible conclusions:
 Goal was met: client response same as desired outcome.
 Goal partially met: desired outcome partially attained.
 Goal not met.
- Nurse writes an evaluative statement consisting of two parts: a conclusion
and supportive data.
3. Drawing Conclusions about Problem Status
- Determine whether the care plan was effective in resolving, reducing, or
preventing client problems.
Purpose of Evaluation
- Evaluation is crucial in determining the need for adjustments in the care
plan.
- It provides insights into the effectiveness of nursing interventions.
- It is a continuous process, ensuring ongoing improvements in patient
care.
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Summary
- Evaluation in nursing is a judgmental process to determine the
effectiveness of nursing interventions.
- It involves collecting data related to desired outcomes, comparing
data with outcomes, and drawing conclusions about the status of the
client's problems.
- The process is ongoing, ensuring that nursing care is adjusted as
needed to optimize patient outcomes.
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