Which of the following best describes the purpose of nursing assessment?

The purpose of nursing assessment is primarily to gather data that will identify the health needs of patients. This process involves comprehensive evaluation techniques, including interviews, physical examinations, and the review of medical histories and records. The information collected during the assessment phase allows nurses to understand the patient's current health status, lifestyle, and specific conditions that may require attention.

By identifying health needs, nurses can tailor interventions and care plans to meet those needs effectively. This foundational step is crucial in the nursing process and informs subsequent actions such as diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care. Without a thorough assessment, there is a risk of overlooking critical health issues, which could compromise patient outcomes.

The other options focus on specific outcomes or consequences of care rather than the broad and initial scope of the nursing assessment. Diagnosing specific diseases pertains more to medical assessments and interventions, while evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and determining the quality of care relate to post-assessment actions and processes rather than the assessment itself.