What is the main focus of the nursing process in health promotion and maintenance?

• A. Assessment of the patient's health needs.
• B. Administering medications.
• C. Discharge planning only.
• D. Administrative tasks.

Answer: (A)

Assessment of the patient's health needs forms the foundation of nursing care in health promotion and maintenance. By gathering comprehensive data—physical status, risk factors, knowledge and beliefs, social supports, and living environment—the nurse identifies priorities, guides education and prevention strategies, and establishes baselines to track progress. This assessment drives the entire nursing process: after understanding needs, a plan is created, actions are carried out, and outcomes are evaluated to support ongoing health and prevent decline. While administering medications, discharge planning, and administrative tasks are important parts of care, they do not define the focus of the process in health promotion, which begins with a thorough assessment.