During which step of the nursing process is data gathered to identify patient needs?

The step in the nursing process where data is gathered to identify patient needs is the assessment phase. During assessment, nurses collect comprehensive information about the patient's physical, psychological, social, and spiritual status. This process includes taking vital signs, performing physical assessments, obtaining medical histories, and gathering information from family members and other healthcare providers.

The data collected during assessment forms the foundation for the next steps in the nursing process, which are diagnosis, planning, and implementation. Accurate and thorough assessment is crucial because it helps identify actual and potential health issues and lays the groundwork for creating an effective care plan tailored to the patient's specific needs.