The Significance of Nursing Diagnoses
While a medical diagnosis identifies a specific disease or condition, a nursing diagnosis describes a patient's human response to health conditions or life processes. This critical distinction helps nurses to focus on the patient's needs and how they are affected by their illness. NANDA-I developed a standardized taxonomy providing a common language for nurses to communicate a patient's status and plan appropriate interventions. The nursing diagnosis is a key step of the nursing process (ADPIE).
The Three Primary Types of Nursing Diagnosis
Problem-Focused Nursing Diagnosis
Also known as an actual diagnosis, this type describes an undesirable human response to a health condition present at the time of assessment. It is based on observable signs and symptoms (defining characteristics). Problem-focused diagnoses typically follow the PES format:
- P (Problem): The diagnostic label.
- E (Etiology): Related factors or causes.
- S (Symptoms): Defining characteristics.
- Example: Ineffective Airway Clearance related to increased tracheobronchial secretions as evidenced by ineffective cough and adventitious breath sounds. This guides the nurse to specific interventions.
Risk Nursing Diagnosis
A risk diagnosis concerns the vulnerability for developing an undesirable human response. This is used when risk factors suggest a problem is likely without intervention. There are no defining characteristics (signs and symptoms) because the problem hasn't occurred.
- Example: {Link: Slideshare https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/types-of-nandai-nursing-diagnosis/248548146}
Health Promotion Nursing Diagnosis
This diagnosis is a judgment about a person's motivation and desire to increase well-being. It's used when a patient is ready to improve a specific health behavior. It is often a one-part statement.
- Example: {Link: Slideshare https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/types-of-nandai-nursing-diagnosis/248548146}
Comparison of the Diagnosis Types
{Link: Slideshare https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/types-of-nandai-nursing-diagnosis/248548146}
The Role of Syndrome Diagnoses
NANDA-I also recognizes syndrome diagnoses. A syndrome is a cluster of problem-focused or risk diagnoses predicted to be present due to a specific event. This is a one-part statement using only the diagnostic label. For example, Frail Elderly Syndrome can encompass multiple related issues.
Writing an Effective Nursing Diagnosis
Effective nursing diagnosis involves assessment, data analysis to identify patterns, selecting the appropriate NANDA-I label, and formulating the statement correctly (PES or two-part). This process informs the care plan and aids communication within the healthcare team.
For more detailed information on specific nursing diagnoses, consult the official NANDA International website.
Conclusion: A Cornerstone of Nursing Practice
Understanding problem-focused, risk, and health promotion diagnoses is essential for effective nursing practice.
