In nursing, what does a "diagnosis" indicate?

A diagnosis in nursing represents a clinical judgment about patient responses to health problems. This includes evaluating and interpreting the information gathered during assessments and can encompass understanding how a patient's health status affects their ability to function in their daily life. The diagnosis identifies issues related to the patient's health that require nursing intervention and guides nurses in developing care plans to address these concerns.

This clinical judgment is rooted in the nursing process, which involves assessing the patient, forming a nursing diagnosis, planning interventions, implementing care, and evaluating patient outcomes. A well-formulated nursing diagnosis allows for targeted actions that are specifically tailored to the unique circumstances and needs of each patient, ensuring that they receive appropriate and effective care.