In evaluating client care, which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Determine if the expected outcomes of care were achieved
• B. Assess patient satisfaction
• C. Document the care provided
• D. Administer prescribed medications

Answer: (A)

Evaluating care begins with comparing what actually happened to the goals that were set. The first step is to determine whether the expected outcomes of care were achieved. This involves reviewing objective data and indicators to see if the patient’s status aligns with the anticipated results from the plan. If outcomes are met, you confirm the plan’s effectiveness; if not, you reassess and adjust the plan accordingly. Activities like assessing patient satisfaction, documenting the care provided, or administering medications are important parts of the broader process, but they do not initiate the evaluation itself—outcome comparison does.