Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis: Ineffective Thermoregulation Risk
nursing diagnosis is used by nurses to assess health conditions of patients in order to provide individualized care. One of the categories of nursing diagnosis is ‘Ineffective Thermoregulation Risk’ which deals with the patient’s ability to regulate his/her body temperature and the associated risks, complications, and interventions thereof.
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
The definition of nursing diagnosis ‘Ineffective Thermoregulation Risk’ is “the risk for alteration in temperature regulation that may result in body temperature outside of normal range”.
Defining Characteristics
Subjectives
- Reports of cold or hot sensations
- Expresses discomfort related to temperature
- Reported changes in cognitive or physical functioning
Objectives
- Restlessness and agitation
- Decreased skin temperature
- Altered level of consciousness
- Impaired thermoregulatory mechanism
- Too much or not enough clothing or blankets
- Changes in environment temperature
- Poor peripheral circulation
- Disease (hypothyroidism, diabetes, multiple sclerosis)
Explaination: Factors that may predispose a person to ineffective thermoregulation include changes in environment temperature, poor peripheral circulation, diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes or multiple sclerosis, or impairments that affect temperature regulation such as too much or not enough clothing or blankets.
Risk Population
- Children
- Elderly people
- People with impaired thermoregulatory mechanisms
- People living in extreme climates
Explanation: The population most at risk for ineffective thermoregulation are children, elderly people, people with impaired thermoregulatory mechanisms, and people living in extreme climates.
Associated Problems
- Hypothermia
- Hyperthermia
- Dehydration
- Organ failure
- Shock
Explanation: Connected problems to ineffective thermoregulation can include hypothermia, hyperthermia, dehydration, organ failure, or shock.
Suggestions of Use
- Monitor body temperature
- Encourage warmth with appropriate clothing
- Maintain cool environment for those with hyperthermia
- Schedule active times with calm periods
Explanation: Efficient use of this nursing diagnosis includes monitoring body temperature and adjusting clothing accordingly, managing the environment temperature whether hot or cold, and providing active times alternating with restful periods.
Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnosis
- Risk for Injury
- Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
- Risk for Infection
Explanation: Alternative diagnoses to Ineffective Thermoregulation Risk could be Risk for Injury, Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity or Risk for Infection.
Usage Tips
- This diagnosis should be used with appropriate assessment information.
- Clients with impaired thermoregulation are at risk for heat and cold stress and should be monitored closely.
- Check temperature multiple times per day if changes in environment temperature are expected.
NOC Results
- Body Temperature Regulation
- Skin Integrity
- Cardiopulmonary Function
- Comfort Level
- Stress Level
Explanation: Nursing outcome classification (NOC) results for this nursing diagnosis include Body Temperature Regulation, Skin Integrity, Cardiopulmonary Function, Comfort Level, and Stress Level.
NIC Interventions
- Temperature Monitoring
- Environmental Management for Thermoregulation
- Encouraging Adequate Intake of Fluids
- Clothing/Covering Management
- Management of Activity/Rest
Explanation: Nursing intervention classification (NIC) interventions for this nursing diagnosis include Temperature Monitoring, Environmental Management for Thermoregulation, Encouraging Adequate Intake of Fluids, Clothing/Covering Management, and Management of Activity/Rest.
Conclusion
nursing diagnosis ‘Ineffective Thermoregulation Risk’ is used to assess the risk of impaired body temperature regulation that may result in body temperature outside of normal range. The diagnosis works to provide individualized care by assessing identifying factors such as age, climate, diseases, clothing management, or activity level that could lead to impairment of thermoregulation. Its usage relies on monitoring body temperature, adjusting clothing enforcedly, managing environment temperature, and providing active/restful periods accordingly.
FAQ
Q: What is ineffective thermoregulation risk?
A: Ineffective thermoregulation risk is an alteration in the body's temperature regulation that can result in body temperature outside of the normal range.
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