During a patient health assessment, what is a primary objective for nurses?

The primary objective of nurses during a patient health assessment is to identify patient needs and prioritize care effectively. This involves gathering comprehensive information about the patient's physical, emotional, social, and environmental factors that may affect their health and well-being. By understanding the patient's specific needs, nurses can create an individualized care plan that addresses those needs and ensures that interventions are prioritized based on their severity and urgency. This holistic approach is essential for delivering effective and responsive patient care, as it allows nurses to act as advocates for their patients and coordinate appropriate resources and support.

The other options do not align with the core responsibilities of nursing practice. Completing the assessment quickly undermines the thoroughness required to understand a patient's condition fully. Relying solely on physicians for findings can limit the scope of nursing practice and diminish the collaborative role nurses have in patient care. Focusing only on physical health neglects the broader aspect of health that includes mental and social well-being. Therefore, identifying patient needs and prioritizing care is crucial for effective nursing assessments and delivering high-quality patient care.