Which order should the nurse follow to apply effective communication skills throughout the nursing process?

The correct order emphasizes a systematic approach to effective communication within the nursing process. Starting with validating health care needs ensures that the nurse understands the patient's concerns and requirements right at the beginning. This foundational step allows the nurse to gather relevant information effectively during the history-taking phase.

Completing the history comes next, as this step collects detailed clinical information about the patient, which is crucial for understanding their health condition. Once the health history is gathered, the nurse can provide support, which may involve offering reassurance, education, or emotional support based on the identified health care needs.

Finally, comparing outcomes is important because it evaluates the effectiveness of interventions and monitors progress toward achieving health care goals. This sequence prioritizes understanding the patient's situation before moving into support and evaluation, facilitating a hierarchical flow of communication that aligns with nursing principles and patient-centered care. Each component builds on the previous one to ensure that the patient's needs are met in a coherent and structured manner.