What is the main purpose of a nursing care plan?

The main purpose of a nursing care plan is to provide a framework for nursing care. This plan entails a systematic approach to patient care, which includes assessing the patient's needs, identifying problems, setting goals, and determining interventions. By creating a care plan, nurses can ensure that care is tailored to meet individual patient needs and can be communicated effectively among healthcare team members. This structured plan allows for consistent and coordinated care, helping to improve patient outcomes and providing a clear guide for all involved in the patient’s care.

In contrast, documentation of patient interactions, medication management, and determining discharge eligibility are important aspects of nursing but serve different functions within the broader context of overall patient care. They are components of the care process but do not encompass the comprehensive scope and strategic purpose of a nursing care plan, which aims to holistically address a patient’s health and wellbeing through organized nursing interventions.