What does the assessment phase of nursing involve?

The assessment phase of nursing is fundamentally about gathering and interpreting information regarding a patient's health status. This includes a thorough collection of data from various sources such as the patient's medical history, physical examinations, laboratory results, and reports from other healthcare professionals. The goal of this phase is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition, needs, and potential health problems.

During this phase, nurses also observe and recognize signs and symptoms, obtaining both subjective information (what the patient reports) and objective information (what the nurse observes or measures). This information forms the basis for subsequent phases of the nursing process, including diagnosing, planning, and implementing care. By focusing on a holistic view of the patient, nurses can provide tailored interventions and monitor progress effectively in later stages of care.