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Question
Can the licensed practical nurse make a nursing diagnosis using North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, International (NANDA-I) taxonomies in the medical record?
Answer

A nursing diagnosis is used to determine the appropriate nursing care plan for the patient. The nursing diagnosis drives interventions and patient outcomes, enabling the registered nurse to develop the nursing care plan. WAC 246-840-700 Standards of Nursing Conduct or Practice clarifies that only the registered nurse is permitted to make a nursing diagnosis. The licensed practical nurse may provide data to assist in the development of a nursing diagnosis. The licensed practical nurse may document symptoms or other findings and may document using a nursing diagnosis already made by the registered nurse. The licensed practical nurse uses and applies nursing diagnosis (formulated by the registered nurse) as a foundation for implementing interventions.

FAQ Category
Nursing Process