Final answer:
The diagnosis phase of the nursing process is where actual or potential problems are identified, involving data gathering, expert consultation, and listing unknowns to understand patient needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Identifying Problems in the Nursing Process
The phase of the nursing process that includes identifying actual or potential problems is the diagnosis phase. This crucial step involves gathering information, analyzing data, and making a list to clarify the unknowns that need to be addressed. During this phase, a nurse might gather information from the patient or related stakeholders, seek expert opinions, and perform a root cause analysis to uncover underlying issues. The act of listing unknowns helps in organizing thoughts and determining the order in which the issues should be addressed. Ultimately, the problem identification leads to a clear understanding of the patient's needs and the establishment of a plan of care tailored to address these identified issues.