What is the primary purpose of an Initial Assessment in nursing?

The primary purpose of an Initial Assessment in nursing is to establish a baseline for the patient's health status. This initial step is critical as it involves collecting comprehensive data about the patient's physical, psychological, and social health. By doing so, nurses can identify existing health issues and potential concerns, which allows for the design of tailored care plans.

Establishing a baseline is essential for future comparisons; it helps healthcare providers monitor changes in the patient’s condition over time. This foundational assessment guides the development of appropriate interventions and the evaluation of their effectiveness. Without this baseline data, it would be challenging to accurately assess improvements or deteriorations in the patient's health throughout their care journey, making this step indispensable.