Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

What does a nursing diagnosis typically comprise?

1. Patient history and treatment options

2. Defining characteristics and risk factors

3. Diagnosis and prognosis

4. Clinical signs and laboratory results

The correct answer is: Defining characteristics and risk factors

A nursing diagnosis is a fundamental component of nursing practice that helps guide patient care. It typically includes defining characteristics and risk factors that are derived from a thorough assessment of the patient. The defining characteristics refer to the observable signs and symptoms expressed by the patient, while risk factors indicate the potential vulnerabilities that could affect the patient's health status. This comprehensive understanding allows nurses to develop more targeted and effective care plans. By identifying both the specific indicators of a patient's condition and the factors that may contribute to complications, nurses can prioritize interventions that address both immediate symptoms and underlying risk elements. This approach emphasizes the holistic nature of nursing care, which focuses not just on disease processes but also on the overall well-being of the patient. The choices that involve patient history and treatment options, diagnosis and prognosis, or clinical signs and laboratory results do not fully encapsulate the essence of a nursing diagnosis, which fundamentally revolves around the identification of characteristics and associated risks that guide nursing actions.