Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis: Chronic Affliction
nursing diagnosis is a tool used by nurses to identify and classify individuals’ health. Chronic affliction diagnosis involves assessing individuals and families’ physical, psychosocial and health problems, and classifying them into nursing diagnoses. It is an important step in developing nursing care plans, which helps nurses plan, organize, and prioritize patients’ nursing interventions and evaluate the outcomes of the nursing care.
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
Chronic affliction is defined as a state of bothersome physical or emotional discomfort that has persisted for six months or more, impacting the patient’s quality of life. It is characterized by continuous suffering and marked by recurring pain, limitations in activities, and interference with life of the sufferer.
Defining Characteristics List
Subjectives Defining Characteristics
- Reported feelings of chronic pain
- Reported fatigue and physical exhaustion
- Reported feeling of depression, anxiety or fear
- Changes in body image
- Lack of motivation
Objectives Defining Characteristics
- Inability to perform simple daily task
- Dramatic changes in sleeping patterns
- Difficulty in concentrating/attaining focus during activities
- Weight loss due to poor appetite
- Social withdrawal and isolation
The factors related to the development of chronic affliction include age-related wear and tear, inherited weakness and genetic predisposition, environment-related pollutants and pollutants, psychological stress, poor self-care practices, material deficiency and lack of support from family and friends.
Risk Population
Individuals at higher risk of developing chronic affliction include older adults, individuals with certain medical conditions such as diabetes and heart diseases, those living in poverty, those living in hazardous environments, and those who, due to medical reasons, cannot practice regular exercise.
Associated Problems
Common associated problems with chronic affliction include fatigue and exhaustion, impaired cognitive and communication functions, ineffective self-care, impaired social interaction, low self-esteem, altered nutrition and fluid balance, diminished physical mobility, impaired skin integrity, and unstable physiological functions.
Suggestions of Use
Nurses can use the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) for Chronic Affliction when planning patient care. This classification includes advice on how to provide nursing support to improve the patient’s physical and mental well-being, including techniques such as energy conservation, diversional activities, behavior therapy, and relaxation training.
Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnoses
Alternative NANDA diagnoses for Chronic Affliction include Activity Intolerance, Insomnia, Risk for Injury, and Anxiety. These can be used to further assess the patient's health status in order to develop a comprehensive nursing care plan.
Usage Tips
- Start by understanding the patient’s health concerns and identifying their needs.
- Assess the patient’s current condition and determine which NANDA diagnosis best fits their needs and devise an individualized nursing care plan.
- Identify any risk factors and take appropriate action to reduce the risk.
- Provide support to the patient and family members so they can understand and cope better with the diagnosis.
- Evaluate the nursing interventions regularly in order to monitor the patient’s condition and make adjustments accordingly.
NOC Results
Using the NOC Results for Chronic Affliction include: Pain Management, Mobility Level, Sleep Quality, Physiological Status, Mood Status, Social Interaction and Environmental Management.
Pain Management:
Maintaining adequate pain control in order to reduce the patient’s discomfort.
Mobility Level:
Improving the patient’s ability to move around independently.
Sleep Quality:
Maintaining adequate sleep quality in order to reduce fatigue and exhaustion.
Physiological Status:
Maintaining stable physiological functions in order to promote better overall health
Mood Status:
Improving the patient’s mood through actions such as providing emotional support and reinforcing positive coping behaviors.
Maintaining adequate social interactions in order to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Environmental Management:
Maintaining a safe and healthy environment in order to reduce the risk of developing further health-related issues.
NIC Interventions
Interventions for Chronic Affliction include postural drainage, therapeutic play, social work/mental health intervention, daily physical/occupational therapy, energy conservation/management, relaxation exercises and behavior therapy.
Conclusion and FAQ
nursing diagnosis for Chronic Affliction provides nurses with a structured approach to assess patients with long-term chronic conditions in order to create individualized nursing care plans. Frequently asked questions about this NANDA diagnosis include:
- What is the purpose of nursing diagnosis?
- How is nursing diagnosis used?
- What factors might increase a person's risk of developing chronic affliction?
- What are common associated problems of chronic affliction?
- What are NOC and NIC used for?
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