Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

In the PDSA cycle, during which phase is the action plan developed?

1. P

2. D

3. S

4. A

The correct answer is: P

In the PDSA cycle, the action plan is developed during the "Plan" phase. This initial phase focuses on defining the problem or opportunity for improvement, establishing objectives, and devising a detailed strategy for how to implement the changes. The "Plan" phase is crucial because it sets the foundation for the entire cycle by identifying what is to be tested and how success will be measured. During this stage, practitioners outline the interventions to be tested, identify the resources needed, and clarify roles and responsibilities. This planning ensures that the next stages, "Do," "Study," and "Act," are grounded in a clear objective and a logical approach, which is essential for generating meaningful outcomes from the subsequent testing. By thoroughly developing the action plan during the "Plan" phase, organizations can effectively measure and analyze the results of the implemented changes in the later phases of the PDSA cycle. This systematic approach further contributes to continuous improvement in nursing practice and education.