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.
Exam Tip
ADPIE: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation. Collect relevant data before planned interventions; act immediately for an emergency. LPNs contribute to all steps but RN leads. A FIRST question depends on the immediate threat and the stated context. The nursing process is cyclical, not linear.
What Is the Nursing Process?
The nursing process is a cyclical, evidence-based approach to patient care that guides clinical decision-making. It consists of five sequential steps that form the foundation of professional nursing practice. The nursing process is integrated throughout the NCLEX-PN Client Needs framework.
The Five Steps (ADPIE)
| Step | What Happens | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Collect data about the patient | History, physical exam, vital signs, lab review, patient interview |
| Diagnosis | Identify health problems | Nursing diagnoses (NOT medical diagnoses) based on assessment data |
| Planning | Set goals and plan interventions | SMART goals, prioritize using ABCs/Maslow's, select interventions |
| Implementation | Carry out the plan | Perform nursing interventions, administer medications, provide care |
| Evaluation | Determine if goals were met | Reassess, compare outcomes to goals, revise plan if needed |
LPN/LVN Role in Each Step
| Step | LPN Role | RN Role |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Collect data (focused assessments), report findings | Comprehensive assessment, interpret data |
| Diagnosis | Contribute data to support diagnoses | Formulate nursing diagnoses |
| Planning | Contribute to planning, assist with goal setting | Develop the care plan, set priorities |
| Implementation | Implement interventions, reinforce teaching, administer medications | Provide care and teaching and manage complex needs within RN scope |
| Evaluation | Collect evaluation data, report outcomes | Evaluate goal achievement, modify care plan |
Assessment Types
| Type | Description | Who Performs |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive | Broad assessment of health history, status and needs | RN leads the comprehensive nursing assessment |
| Focused | Specific body system or complaint | LPN or RN |
| Ongoing | Continuous monitoring during care | LPN or RN |
| Emergency | Rapidly recognize threats and activate the appropriate response | Respond within scope and follow the emergency protocol |
NCLEX-PN and the Nursing Process
The 2026 NCLEX-PN integrates nursing problem solving across all Client Needs categories. A medication scenario can require assessment before administration, implementation and evaluation of the response. NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-PN Test Plan
Exam Alert
The nursing process is tested throughout the entire NCLEX-PN. Use ADPIE to organize care. Gather the information needed for a safe decision and act promptly when an emergency protocol calls for immediate intervention. LPNs participate in all 5 steps but the RN leads Diagnosis, Planning, and Evaluation.
CNAs contribute observations, perform authorized interventions and report responses. They do not independently formulate nursing diagnoses or perform the licensed nurse's assessment and evaluation. State law controls LPN/VN responsibilities. 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
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.
Clinical Judgment
Clinical judgment is the process by which nurses observe, interpret, respond to, and reflect on patient data to make informed decisions about patient care. The NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM) is the framework used on the NCLEX to evaluate this competency.
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.