Which of the following is NOT a component of the nursing process?

The correct answer is clinical research, as it is not a fundamental component of the nursing process. The nursing process is a systematic method used by nurses to ensure comprehensive and effective patient care. It consists of several key components, which include assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Assessment involves the collection of data about the patient's health status to identify their needs. Planning entails setting realistic goals and determining the best interventions to meet those needs. Implementation is the action phase where nursing interventions are carried out. Evaluation then assesses the effectiveness of those interventions and modifies the care plan as necessary.

Clinical research, while an essential aspect of advancing nursing knowledge and practices, is separate from the nursing process itself. It involves systematic investigation aimed at developing potential new treatments or understanding health phenomena, rather than directly providing patient care. Understanding this distinction clarifies the unique roles that various concepts play in nursing and healthcare.