What is the purpose of a nursing assessment?

The purpose of a nursing assessment is to gather comprehensive information about the patient's health status. This involves evaluating not only the physical aspects of the patient but also their psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. A thorough nursing assessment is essential for developing an individualized care plan that addresses the specific needs of the patient.

By obtaining complete and holistic data, nurses can identify health problems, understand the patient's unique context, and collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals to provide optimal care. This comprehensive understanding is critical for making informed clinical decisions, identifying changes in the patient's condition over time, and ensuring that care is tailored to promote the best possible outcomes for the patient.

The other options fail to capture the full scope of a nursing assessment. For instance, implementing treatment without patient input does not align with patient-centered care, following up on a healthcare provider's orders is only one aspect of nursing responsibilities, and assessing only the physical aspects neglects the complexities of patient health that require a more extensive evaluation.