Which model is commonly used to guide nursing assessments?

The Nursing Process model is fundamental in guiding nursing assessments because it provides a structured approach that encompasses five key steps: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This model emphasizes the importance of gathering comprehensive data about the patient's health status, which is the first crucial step in effective nursing practice. Through assessment, nurses can identify the patient's needs and problems, which informs subsequent steps in the nursing process.

Moreover, the Nursing Process model is not only systematic but also flexible, allowing for adjustments as new information is gathered. It encourages critical thinking, prioritization, and the use of clinical judgment, making it particularly relevant in a clinical setting where patient conditions can change rapidly.

In contrast, while the Clinical Decision Making model focuses on the reasoning processes that nurses use when faced with patient care decisions, it does not specifically provide a sequential approach for assessment. The Evidence-Based Practice model emphasizes using research and evidence in clinical decision-making but does not serve as the framework specifically guiding assessments. Lastly, the Patient-Centered Care model concentrates on the individual's specific needs and preferences rather than providing a structured assessment framework, making it less focused on the assessment process itself.