Care Plan (Nursing)
A nursing care plan records a patient's identified needs, measurable goals and nursing interventions. The RN leads nursing care planning, and the LPN/LVN contributes findings and helps develop, implement and update the plan within the applicable scope of practice.
Exam Tip
The RN leads care planning. LPNs/LVNs contribute findings, help develop or update the plan within scope, implement interventions and report responses. Use measurable, time-specific goals and prioritize immediate threats.
What Is a Nursing Care Plan?
A nursing care plan is a formal, structured document that organizes and prioritizes patient care. It is based on the nursing process (Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation) and ensures all members of the healthcare team provide consistent, goal-directed care.
Components of a Care Plan
| Component | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Assessment Data | Objective and subjective findings | VS: BP 160/95, patient reports headache |
| Nursing Diagnosis | Clinical judgment about patient response | Risk for falls related to unsteady gait |
| Goals/Expected Outcomes | Measurable, time-specific desired results | Patient will ambulate 50 feet without assistance within 3 days |
| Nursing Interventions | Specific actions to achieve goals | Assist with ambulation TID using gait belt |
| Evaluation | Assessment of goal achievement | Patient ambulated 50 feet independently on day 3 |
Priority Setting in Care Plans
Care plans use priority frameworks to determine which problems to address first:
| Framework | Order of Priority |
|---|---|
| Maslow's Hierarchy | Physiological > Safety > Love/Belonging > Esteem > Self-Actualization |
| ABCs | Airway > Breathing > Circulation |
| Acute vs. Chronic | Acute/life-threatening problems before chronic conditions |
LPN/LVN Role in Care Planning
| LPN Responsibility | NOT an LPN Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Contribute focused findings and help develop or update the plan | Assume responsibility for an RN-level assessment or plan outside authorized scope |
| Implement interventions as directed | Create nursing diagnoses |
| Document and report patient responses | Make changes outside the authorized role |
| Teach or reinforce within state scope and competence | Provide education outside authorized scope |
Exam Alert
Care planning appears in the Coordinated Care category on the NCLEX-PN. The RN leads care planning. The LPN/LVN contributes to development and updates and implements assigned interventions within scope. Goals must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). Use acuity and the immediate threat; cardiac arrest requires the CPR algorithm.
CNAs contribute observations and preferences, implement authorized care and report problems. They do not independently diagnose or revise the nursing plan. Official guidance.
Study This Term In
1 Job Wiki RadioThird-party resources · We may earn a commission from purchases.
Next Generation NCLEX-PN Study Guide 2025-2026: Complete Review + 725 Questions and Detailed Answer Explanations (5 Full-Length Exams)
By Test Prep, Newstone
$29.99 · 
Online course on Mometrix
Practice exams on ExamEdge
Take courses on UdemyThird-party resources · We may earn a commission from purchases.
CNA Study Guide 2025-2026: Complete Review + 560 Questions and Detailed Answer Explanations for the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam (8 Full-Length Exams)
By CNA Test Prep Team, Newstone
$19.99 ·
Practice exams on ExamEdgeTake courses on UdemyFlashcards on MometrixRelated Terms
Nursing Process
The nursing process is a cyclical framework for planning, delivering and evaluating patient-centered care. ADPIE is a common way to remember assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a motivational theory organized as a five-level pyramid, used in nursing to prioritize patient care. From bottom to top: physiological needs, safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization. The hierarchy is a study framework; actual urgency and safety determine care priorities.
Delegation (Nursing)
Delegation in nursing authorizes another qualified person to perform a specific activity. The delegating nurse remains accountable for the decision and oversight. The person accepting the activity is accountable for their own performance.
Scope of Practice (Nursing)
Scope of practice defines what a healthcare professional is legally authorized to do. LPN/LVN practice depends on the jurisdiction's nursing laws, the setting, required supervision and the nurse's competence.
Your AI study companion · 10 free interactions a day
Stay Updated
Get free exam tips and study guides delivered to your inbox.