Diagnostic Reasoning Associated with Nursing Assessment

Principles should include:

• Diagnostic hypotheses are considered throughout the assessment process and are used along with the formal assessment guide to generate the data needed for diagnoses.
• In a comprehensive assessment, diagnoses are not finalized until completion of the assessment. Assessment of each pattern informs the nurse and patient about the diagnostic hypotheses.
• When possible, the individual, family or community is involved from start to finish with the assessment and diagnostic processes.