How should a nurse conduct a comprehensive patient assessment?

A comprehensive patient assessment is essential for understanding the patient's overall health and identifying any issues that need to be addressed. The correct answer emphasizes a multifaceted approach, which includes interviewing the patient, performing a physical examination, and making careful observations.

This integrated method allows the nurse to gather both subjective data—information that the patient provides about their feelings, thoughts, and experiences—and objective data—facts that can be measured or observed, such as vital signs and physical findings. By using this comprehensive approach, the nurse can gain a holistic view of the patient's condition, which is critical for developing an effective care plan.

Relying solely on medical history limits the assessment to past illnesses and treatments, potentially overlooking current conditions or changes in the patient’s health status. A quick visual inspection lacks the depth necessary for a thorough understanding of the patient’s needs. Finally, using only objective data would miss important insights that come from the patient's own experiences and perceptions, which are crucial for a complete picture of their health. Thus, the comprehensive approach is the foundation for effective nursing care.