Controlling and evaluating refer to measuring actual performance against planned activities and taking corrective actions. It involves establishing standards, measuring performance, comparing results to standards, and reinforcing strengths or taking corrective actions. The purposes of controlling include establishing trust, clarifying objectives, presenting uniform standards, and promoting growth. Control mechanisms include standards of care, total quality management, quality assurance, quality control, and quality improvement. Quality improvement methods encompass standards of care, credentialing, utilization review, clinical guidelines, clinical pathways, benchmarking, PDCA cycles, and the FOCUS methodology. Nursing audit examines structures, processes, and outcomes through checklists and indicators to determine if nursing standards are met. Control techniques include nursing rounds, operating instructions