Assessment is commonly translated as assessment, evaluation, or preliminary evaluation. It finds various applications in medical care, including patient assessment, environmental assessment, and risk assessment. In nursing, it specifically pertains to evaluating the patient’s situation, family dynamics, and care environment.

Within nursing, assessment holds a prominent position as the initial step in the nursing process. Assessment involves systematically gathering, analyzing, aggregating, and interpreting information. The process utilizes a human health assessment framework and communication technology to collect physical, psychological, and social information purposefully. The obtained information is then analyzed, aggregated, and interpreted. From a nursing standpoint, this leads to the identification of problems (issues requiring resolution) and strengths (individual strengths applicable to nursing activities). This forms the foundation for determining optimal nursing care.

The interpretation phase of assessment demands the ability to consider phenomena from multiple perspectives, explore their meaning and causes, utilize knowledge and experience, predict outcomes, and integrate findings into a comprehensive understanding.

• Gordon, M. (2009). Assessment memorandum: Gordon functional health patterns and nursing diagnosis (Kamitsuru, S., Trans.). Igaku-Shoin Ltd.
• Oda, M. (2002). A book that helps you understand the nursing process: Applying nursing theory to practice. Shorinsha Inc.
• Potter, P. A. (2000). Health assessment necessary for nursing diagnosis: Latest nursing guide (Oishi, M., & Oishi, K., Trans.). Igaku-Shoin Ltd.
• Weber, J. (1994). Nursing assessment for nursing diagnosis (Moriyama, M., Trans.). Igaku-Shoin Ltd.