Introduction for Nursing Diagnosis: Ineffective Meal Dynamics
The Ineffective Meal Dynamics nursing diagnosis is applicable to patients who struggle with eating and treating food as an activity that needs attention and practice. Sometimes the actions associated with meal dynamics such as chewing and swallowing become another task for a busy day and thus can be neglected or improperly done. Whenever a patient fails to engage in proper meal dynamics, the implications can be serious.
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
Ineffective Meal Dynamics is defined by NANDA International as "the state in which an individual eats meals in an inefficient manner" (NANDA International, 2016).
Defining Characteristics
Subjectives:
- Expresses frustration associated with meals
- Verbalizes inadequate nutrition knowledge
- Displays poor health related beliefs
Objectives:
- Eats quickly
- Takes small bites of food
- Avoids interactions with others during meals
- Swallows large chunks of food
Poor nutrition knowledge, poor health related beliefs, decreased appetite, financial constraints, lack of access to nutritious foods, limited time for meal prep and consumption, difficulty chewing and swallowing, limited assistance with meal dynamics, cultural customs, being underweight, pain, diarrhea, vomiting, agitation, and depression.
Risk Population
Those at risk for Ineffective Meal Dynamics are usually older adults due to age-related changes in taste, smell, and appetite; those with disordered eating habits; and those with mental health or cognitive impairments.
Associated Problems
People who experience Ineffective Meal Dynamics can exhibit dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss or gain, anemia, infections, impaired healing, and difficulty carrying out daily activities.
Suggestions of Use
Provide education regarding healthy meal choices; evaluate oral motor functioning; provide assistance with eating, if necessary; encourage social engagement during meals; provide incentives to encourage mealtime behavior; inquire about patient preferences; make food appealing; assess ad lib eating availability; offer snacks; and substitute non-nutritious food.
Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnosis
Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements and Altered Bowel Elimination Pattern.
Usage Tips
Whenever an Ineffective Meal Dynamics diagnosis is made, always ensure the patient is provided with sufficient nutrition and hydration, as well as monitored closely for changes in symptoms. Also, collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to provide holistic interventions for safe nutrition and fluid management.
NOC Results
- Nutritional Status: Food and Fluid Intake - evaluates food and fluid intake including ease or difficulty swallowing, chewing, and salivation.
- Oral Mucous Membrane Integrity - identifies changes in the production and composition of saliva.
- Swallowing Intervention - evaluates effectiveness of swallow training interventions.
- Nutrition Intervention - assesses effectiveness of nutritional interventions.
NIC Interventions
- Nutritional Management - provides individualized nutrition strategies for meeting nutritional needs.
- Swallowing Intervention - provides swallowing training to improve oral-motor function.
- Oral Care - performs oral care to maintain healthy oral mucosa and promote safe and effective eating.
- Meal Planning - collaborates with the patient to develop a meal plan that reflects the patient’s preferences.
Conclusion and FAQ
In conclusion, Ineffective Meal Dynamics is a nursing diagnosis which identifies the inefficient way in which an individual eats meals. It is important to assess and provide interventions to address issues that might be contributing to Ineffective Meal Dynamics such as poor nutrition knowledge, limited access to nutritious foods, and mental health or cognitive impairments. If you have additional questions or concerns, please talk to your nurse or healthcare provider.
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