Organized by human needs, this handbook uses a consistent format to present detailed assessment factors and possible nursing diagnoses. Each of the human needs is assessed to determine whether there are patient problems or risk for problems that require nursing intervention. The book aims to provide the reader with the means to move step-by-step through the assessment process, reviewing data already collected by other health team members, conducting an initial screening assessment to identify areas that should be explored further and performing a more thorough focused assessment that will help arrive at an accurate nursing diagnosis.