What do process indicators measure in nursing?

What do process indicators measure in nursing?

• A. The total cost of care per patient.
• B. Aspects of nursing care such as assessment and intervention.
• C. Staffing satisfaction surveys.
• D. Hospital accreditation status.

Answer: (B)

Process indicators track the actual nursing actions taken during care—the specific activities and steps carried out, such as how and when assessments are performed, which interventions are implemented, and whether documentation is completed properly. They focus on what the care team does in the delivery of care, not on costs, staff opinions, or external credentials. This makes them useful for measuring how care is practiced day to day and spotting where practice can be improved. For example, timely pain assessments, following wound-care procedures, administering medications within prescribed windows, and adherence to care protocols are all process indicators. In contrast, cost per patient reflects financial resources, staffing satisfaction surveys reflect workforce perception, and hospital accreditation status reflects structural/organizational attributes, not the actual care activities.

Process indicators track the actual nursing actions taken during care—the specific activities and steps carried out, such as how and when assessments are performed, which interventions are implemented, and whether documentation is completed properly. They focus on what the care team does in the delivery of care, not on costs, staff opinions, or external credentials. This makes them useful for measuring how care is practiced day to day and spotting where practice can be improved. For example, timely pain assessments, following wound-care procedures, administering medications within prescribed windows, and adherence to care protocols are all process indicators. In contrast, cost per patient reflects financial resources, staffing satisfaction surveys reflect workforce perception, and hospital accreditation status reflects structural/organizational attributes, not the actual care activities.