analyzing /an′əlī″zing/ , (in five-step nursing process) a category of nursing behavior in which the health care needs of the client are identified and the goals of care are defined. The nurse interprets data; identifies problems (nursing diagnoses) involving the patient, the patient’s family, and significant others; defines goals and establishes priorities; integrates the information; and projects the expected outcomes of nursing interventions. Although analyzing follows assessing and precedes planning in the five steps of the nursing process, it is integral to effective nursing practice at all steps of the process. See also assessing, evaluating, implementing, nursing process, planning.
