During which phase of the nursing process should a nurse ask about a client's potential allergies?

The nursing process consists of several key phases, one of which is the assessment phase. During the assessment, a nurse gathers comprehensive data about the client's health status, which includes understanding their medical history, current condition, and potential allergies. It's critical to identify any allergies the client may have prior to providing any medications or treatments, as this information directly impacts the patient's safety and the effectiveness of care.

By asking about potential allergies during this phase, the nurse can collect pertinent information that will inform subsequent steps, such as diagnosing and planning interventions. The other phases of the nursing process—implementation, evaluation, and diagnosis—do not focus primarily on gathering new information; instead, they involve applying interventions, measuring outcomes, and analyzing data already collected. Thus, understanding potential allergies is most appropriately addressed during the assessment phase.