What is the initial step in the nursing process?

The initial step in the nursing process is assessment. This phase involves the collection of comprehensive data about the patient’s health status. During assessment, nurses gather information through various means, including patient interviews, physical examinations, and reviewing medical history and laboratory results. This foundational step is critical because it establishes a baseline understanding of the patient's condition, which is essential for forming an accurate diagnosis and developing an appropriate care plan.

Effective assessment provides insight into the patient's needs, preferences, and potential health risks, setting the stage for all subsequent steps in the nursing process, such as diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care. Without thorough assessment, the nurse would lack the necessary information to make informed clinical decisions, which could compromise patient safety and care quality.