When is the assessment phase of the nursing process conducted?

The assessment phase of the nursing process is conducted in all phases because it is a continuous and integral part of the nursing care cycle. Throughout the nursing process, nurses must continuously gather and evaluate data about a patient's health status and responses to interventions. This ongoing assessment ensures that care remains relevant and effective, allowing for timely modifications based on the patient's changing needs or conditions.

By continuously assessing, nurses can identify new problems, track the effectiveness of treatments, and adapt care plans accordingly. This holistic approach underscores the importance of assessment as not just a one-time step but a critical component that informs each subsequent phase of the nursing process, including diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.