Imbalanced Nutrition: Lower Than Body Needs

Nursing Diagnosis Definition

The nursing diagnosis for imbalanced nutrition: lower than body needs is defined as "intake of nutrients that does not meet metabolic needs." This diagnosis is appropriate when a patient's intake of essential nutrients falls below the level required to meet their metabolic needs.

Defining Characteristics (Subjective and Objective)

Subjective

• Lack of appetite: Patient reports experiencing a lack of appetite.
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing: Patient reports facing challenges with swallowing or chewing.
• Feeling weak or fatigued: Patient reports feeling weak or fatigued.

Objective

• Weight loss or failure to gain weight: Observable signs of weight loss or an inability to gain weight.
• Muscle wasting or weakness: Observable muscle wasting or weakness.
• Decreased skin turgor: Observable decrease in skin turgor.

Related Factors

• Inadequate intake of essential nutrients: Insufficient consumption of necessary nutrients.
• Impaired ability to swallow or chew: Difficulties in the patient's capacity to swallow or chew.
• Chronic illness or disease: Underlying health conditions contributing to imbalanced nutrition.
• Medications that affect appetite or digestion: Pharmaceutical agents influencing appetite or digestive processes.
• Psychological factors such as depression or anxiety: Emotional and mental health factors affecting nutrition.

Risk Population

• Individuals at risk for imbalanced nutrition include those with chronic illnesses or diseases, older adults, and those with impaired ability to swallow or chew. Additionally, individuals with psychological factors such as depression or anxiety may be at risk.

Associated Problems

• Weight loss or failure to gain weight: Potential consequences of imbalanced nutrition.
• Muscle wasting or weakness: Adverse effects on muscle health due to imbalanced nutrition.
• Decreased immune function: Weakening of the immune system.
• Anemia: A condition associated with imbalanced nutrition.
• Increased risk of infection: Higher susceptibility to infections.

Suggestions for Use

• Assess the patient's nutritional status and intake: Evaluate the patient's current nutritional condition and dietary intake.
• Identify any factors that may be contributing to the patient's imbalanced nutrition: Explore potential causes and contributors to the nutritional imbalance.
• Develop a plan of care to address the patient's nutritional needs: Create a comprehensive care plan targeting the patient's nutritional requirements.
• Monitor the patient's response to the plan of care: Regularly evaluate how the patient is responding to the implemented care plan.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan of care and make any necessary adjustments: Assess the success of the care plan and make modifications as needed.

Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnosis

• Imbalanced nutrition: more than body needs: A diagnosis indicating excess nutrient intake beyond metabolic requirements.
• Impaired swallowing: Difficulties in the patient's ability to swallow.
• Impaired digestion: Compromised digestive processes affecting nutrient absorption.
• Anxiety related to illness or disease: Psychological distress associated with the patient's health condition.
• Depression related to illness or disease: Emotional and mental health challenges linked to the patient's illness or disease.

Usage Tips

• Consider the patient's overall health and medical history when making a diagnosis of imbalanced nutrition: Factor in the patient's health status and medical background for a comprehensive diagnosis.
• Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to develop a comprehensive plan of care: Work together with healthcare colleagues to create a well-rounded care plan.
• Monitor the patient's weight and other vital signs as indicators of nutritional status: Regularly observe and record key indicators such as weight and vital signs.
• Provide education and resources to the patient and their family regarding proper nutrition and meal planning: Offer guidance and informational support to promote proper nutrition and meal preparation.

NOC Results

• Nutritional status: The patient's nutritional status will be assessed and monitored to ensure that they are receiving the appropriate amount of nutrients.
• Weight management: The patient's weight will be monitored to ensure that they are maintaining or gaining weight as appropriate.
• Immune function: The patient's immune function will be assessed and monitored to ensure that it is not compromised due to imbalanced nutrition.
• Energy conservation: The patient's energy levels will be assessed and interventions will be implemented to conserve energy and prevent fatigue.
• Mental and emotional well-being: The patient's psychological well-being will be assessed and interventions will be implemented to address any related factors such as depression or anxiety.

NIC Interventions

• Nutrition support: The patient will receive appropriate nutrition support to meet their metabolic needs, such as enteral or parenteral nutrition.
• Swallowing therapy: The patient will receive therapy to improve their ability to swallow and chew, if necessary.
• Medication management: The patient's medications will be reviewed and managed to minimize any negative effects on appetite or digestion.
• Emotional support: The patient will receive emotional support and counseling, if necessary, to address any psychological factors related to their imbalanced nutrition.
• Education and resources: The patient and their family will be provided with education and resources regarding proper nutrition and meal planning.