Which type of progress note outlines patient problems and treatment plans?

The type of progress note that outlines patient problems and treatment plans is the care plan. A care plan is a comprehensive document that details the goals of treatment and the strategies to achieve those goals. It typically includes an assessment of the patient's current status, identifies specific problems or needs, and outlines interventions and treatment goals tailored to the patient's health issues. Care plans are essential in ensuring that all members of the healthcare team are informed about the patient's needs and the planned approaches to address those needs, promoting cohesive and coordinated care.

In contrast, a flow record primarily tracks specific clinical parameters such as vital signs or other continuous data points but does not provide a holistic view of treatment plans or patient problems. A vital signs record specifically focuses on capturing and documenting physiological measurements, and it does not encompass the broader aspects of care planning. A surgical note tends to be very specific to surgical procedures, detailing the operation performed, the findings, and any immediate post-operative considerations, rather than outlining ongoing treatment plans or patient problems. Each of these alternatives serves different purposes in the medical documentation process, which is why the care plan distinctly stands out for outlining patient problems and treatment strategies.