Final answer:
In the nursing process, the planning step focuses on determining goals and identifying expected outcomes to address nursing diagnoses. It involves setting patient care objectives and planning specific interventions based on thorough data assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The focus of the planning step of the nursing process is C. determining goals and identifying expected outcomes. This phase involves setting objectives for patient care, which are intended to address the nursing diagnoses identified during the assessment phase. Once goals are set, the nurse can develop a plan of action that includes specific interventions aimed at achieving these outcomes. This process requires careful consideration and is based on the data collected about a patient's condition. For example, if a nurse is providing direct supervision of a registered nurse, they may focus on planning individualized care based on a patient's need for dialysis treatments. This would involve assessing the patient's history, current condition, and vital signs, and preparing the necessary solutions and equipment for safe and effective treatment.
As the roles within nursing are diverse, such as in dialysis care, observations, determining outcomes, and planning for the next steps are crucial in the delivery of high-quality care. The nurse must be prepared to monitor the response to the plan and make any necessary changes to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.