Final answer:
A nurse should ask about potential allergies during the Assessment phase of the nursing process, which is the first step and critical for patient safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Should a Nurse Ask About Allergies?
The correct phase of the nursing process during which a nurse should ask the patient about potential allergies is the Assessment phase. This is the initial step in the nursing process where the nurse collects comprehensive data pertinent to the patient's health and/or the situation, including inquiries about any allergies.
This is crucial as it informs the planning and implementation of safe patient care. The nurse reviews the patient's allergies before a procedure to prevent adverse reactions and ensure the patient's safety during and after the surgical intervention. Allergies may also affect medication administration, anesthesia, and other aspects of care, further highlighting the importance of discussing them during the assessment phase.
During the patient interview in a clinic setting, as well as before the induction of anesthesia and any surgical procedure, it is vital that the nurse confirms whether the patient has any known allergies to medications, materials like latex, or other substances. This information is essential for the surgical team to ensure there are no complications related to the patient's condition.