In the nursing process, which step involves collecting data about the patient?

• A. Assessment
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Planning
• D. Evaluation

Answer: (A)

Collecting data about the patient happens during Assessment, the initial phase of the nursing process. In this step the nurse gathers both subjective information from the patient and objective data from physical exams, vital signs, tests, lab results, and observations. This creates a full picture of the patient’s health status and helps identify actual problems, potential risks, and priorities for care.

The other steps move forward from that information. Diagnosis interprets the data to name health problems, planning uses it to set goals and map interventions, and evaluation uses it to determine whether outcomes were met and whether adjustments are needed.