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An actual problem is an existing situation with which clients present that requires intervention. It reflects an alteration in health, or a dysfunction, and/or an undesirable behavior that clients actually experience or exhibit, respectively at a particular point in time. Examples of actual health problems include symptoms such as pain and fatigue; difficulty performing activities of daily living; less‐than‐optimal adherence to treatment recommendations; an epidemic or spread of infectious disease in the community; and caregiving burden.

A potential problem refers to a discrepancy between a current situation (i.e. the way things are) and an ideal situation (i.e. the way things ought to be). It reflects an inadequacy in the type or level of current functioning, and/or an inadequacy in the type or level of healthcare services, that increases the probability of resulting in an actual problem. Potential problems are illustrated by: engagement in undesirable health behaviors such as smoking that increases the risk of lung cancer; the need for information, support, or additional services to promote engagement in physical activity; or shortage in the number of nurse practitioners with expertise in geriatrics care to provide comprehensive care to the growing aging population and prevent admission to acute care hospitals.

The categorization of health problems determines the overall goal of the intervention and the timing within the trajectory of the health problem experience for its delivery. For actual health problems, interventions are designed to manage them, that is, to improve the problems' experience, treat or resolve them, or assist clients to manage them successfully. The interventions are provided after the occurrence of the actual problem. For potential health problems, interventions are geared to prevent them, that is, reduce the chances of their occurrence. The interventions are offered before the occurrence of the problems.