Final answer:
A nursing assistant should collect information about the patient's stronger side, clothing needs, and assistance level before assisting with dressing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before assisting a patient with dressing, a nursing assistant should collect the following information:
- Which side of the patient is stronger, right or left, to determine which side to dress first and provide appropriate support.
- Whether the patient needs to wear certain clothing to prepare for the day's weather or activities, such as warm clothing in cold weather or loose clothing for physical therapy exercises.
- The level of assistance the patient usually receives from other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care and avoid any potential harm or discomfort during dressing.
Although it may be helpful to know if the patient has a favorite outfit, this information is not essential to the actual process of assisting with dressing. Knowing when the patient last took a bath is also important for hygiene, but it is not directly related to the dressing process.
Learn more about Nursing assistant information collection