What is the primary focus of assessment in nursing?

The primary focus of assessment in nursing is the collection of patient information. This foundational step involves gathering comprehensive data about the patient’s health status, including physical, emotional, psychological, and social aspects. This information is critical as it helps nurses to understand the patient's needs, identify potential health issues, and develop an individualized plan of care.

Assessment encompasses various methods, such as patient interviews, physical examinations, and reviewing medical histories or laboratory results. By collecting thorough and accurate data, nurses can make informed decisions regarding diagnosis and care, monitor changes in the patient's condition, and evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions. This process is essential not only for providing safe and effective care but also for building a therapeutic relationship with the patient based on trust and understanding.

The other options, although related to nursing practice, do not represent the primary focus of assessment. Developing treatment plans, for instance, is a subsequent step that relies heavily on the information gathered during the assessment phase, while identifying staff responsibilities and implementing medication protocols pertain more to the organizational and administrative aspects of nursing care rather than the foundational assessment itself.