Which phase of the nursing process involves identifying patient needs?

Identifying patient needs is a fundamental component of the assessment phase of the nursing process. During this phase, nurses gather comprehensive data about the patient's health status, which includes collecting information through patient interviews, physical examinations, and reviewing medical records. This data helps to create a holistic view of the patient's condition, allowing the nurse to identify both existing problems and potential health risks.

The assessment phase sets the foundation for the entire nursing process, as the information collected is critical for making informed decisions about the patient's care. Once the assessment is complete, the nurse can then move on to the diagnosis phase, where identified needs are analyzed and interpreted to determine specific nursing diagnoses.

Effective assessment is key to ensuring that the care plan addresses the actual needs of the patient, underlining its central role in the nursing process.