Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

In the context of forensic nursing, which phase comes after planning?

1. Diagnosis

2. Implementation

3. Evaluation

4. Coordination of Care

The correct answer is: Implementation

In forensic nursing, the planning phase involves developing a strategy to address the patient's needs and the forensic evidence that needs to be collected. Following planning, the implementation phase is crucial as it encompasses the execution of the strategies outlined during planning. This could include providing immediate medical care, collecting evidence, or coordinating with law enforcement authorities. The primary focus during implementation is to ensure that the care provided is aligned with the pre-established plan, thereby effectively addressing both the healthcare and forensic aspects of the patient's situation. The other phases, while important, occur either before or after implementation. The diagnosis phase precedes planning and involves assessing the patient's condition to determine appropriate nursing interventions. Evaluation occurs after implementation; it is focused on assessing the effectiveness of the care and interventions provided, while coordination of care is an ongoing process that may overlap throughout all phases of patient interaction. Thus, the implementation phase logically follows planning as the critical next step in the nursing process within forensic nursing.