What does a nursing diagnosis describe?

A nursing diagnosis specifically identifies a health problem that the nursing staff can address through their own interventions and care strategies. This diagnosis is formulated based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient, including physical, emotional, and psychosocial factors. Unlike a medical diagnosis, which focuses on a specific disease or condition often identified by a physician, a nursing diagnosis emphasizes the response to health issues and the needs of the patient that nurses are trained to manage.

The essence of the nursing diagnosis is to enable nurses to create targeted care plans that promote patient welfare, enhance recovery, and provide appropriate nursing interventions. It not only reflects the patient's current health status but also guides the nursing actions that can facilitate better outcomes.

In contrast to the other options, a treatment plan developed by doctors doesn’t fall within the nursing realm; an assessment of a patient’s mental health typically pertains to a more specialized field; and a summary of the patient’s medical history represents prior health information rather than present issues that nursing can influence. Thus, focusing on the nursing diagnosis allows for nursing-specific actions that are crucial in patient care.