In the nursing process, which stage involves collecting patient information?

The stage of the nursing process that involves collecting patient information is assessment. This initial step requires nurses to gather comprehensive data about the patient's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health. During assessment, nurses employ various methods, such as interviews, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests, to obtain a complete picture of the patient's condition.

This information is crucial as it allows healthcare providers to identify the patient's needs, strengths, and any potential health issues. Accurate assessment leads to a more targeted diagnosis and informs the subsequent stages of the nursing process, including planning, in which specific goals and interventions are created based on the collected data. Overall, the assessment phase serves as the foundational stage that sets the course for effective patient care.