Introduction
An abdominal hernia is a condition whereby an organ pushes through the wall of the muscle, tissue or bone that contains it. This condition can occur in any area of the abdomen and is called a hernia when the intestines, fat or other organs extend outside the abdominal cavity.
Assessment
- Location: Location of the hernia is one of the key factors that determine how medical practitioners manage the hernia.
- Type: Depending on the type of hernia, different treatment may be involved.
- Extent: The amount of protrusion of the herniated organ through the abdominal wall must be identified.
- Severity: A hernia can be mild, moderate or severe depending on its size and whether the person experiences pain.
These factors must be taken into account when beginning a nursing care plan for abdominal hernia.
Nursing Diagnosis
The most common nursing diagnoses for abdominal hernia are risk for impaired skin integrity due to intermittent pressure, alteration in comfort due to pain and discomfort, and alteration in health maintenance related to the need for lifestyle changes.
Outcomes
- The patient will remain free from skin breakdown.
- The patient’s pain and discomfort will be managed.
- The patient will understand the need to make lifestyle changes.
- The patient will be able to resume activities of daily living.
- The condition of the hernia will improve.
Interventions
- Observe the hernia periodically for any enlargement or tenderness.
- Assess the amount of pain and discomfort the patient experiences.
- Educate the patient about lifestyle modifications to help reduce hernia discomfort.
- Encourage the patient to take medications as prescribed.
- Reassure the patient that the care team is providing the best plan of care.
Rationales
- Observing the hernia periodically allows the medical provider and the care team to detect any changes in the size or shape of the hernia quickly.
- Assessing the patient’s pain and discomfort allows the care team to provide appropriate interventions to control the patient’s symptoms.
- Educating the patient about lifestyle modifications helps to reduce the discomfort associated with the hernia while encouraging compliance with the care plan.
- Providing reassurance helps the patient to feel more secure and in control of their care.
Evaluation
To evaluate the progress of the nursing care plan for abdominal hernia, the patient’s symptoms should be monitored carefully and their response to the interventions noted. The patient should be encouraged to report any changes in their discomfort and their overall condition should be evaluated to determine if the care plan is effective.
Conclusion
A nursing care plan for abdominal hernia is an important step in managing this condition and helping the patient achieve optimal health outcomes. By assessing the patient’s condition, developing appropriate interventions and monitoring the patient’s progress, the care team can ensure that the best possible care is provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an abdominal hernia? - An abdominal hernia is a condition whereby an organ pushes through the wall of the muscle, tissue or bone that contains it.
- What are the nursing diagnoses for abdominal hernia? - The most common nursing diagnoses for abdominal hernia are risk for impaired skin integrity due to intermittent pressure, alteration in comfort due to pain and discomfort, and alteration in health maintenance related to the need for lifestyle changes.
- What kind of interventions may be used to manage abdominal hernia? - Interventions may include observing the hernia periodically, assessing the patient’s pain, educating the patient about lifestyle modifications, encouraging the patient to take medications as prescribed and reassuring the patient that the care team is providing the best plan of care.
- How can the progress of the nursing care plan for abdominal hernia be evaluated? - The progress of the nursing care plan for abdominal hernia should be evaluated by monitoring the patient’s symptoms and response to interventions, encouraging the patient to report any changes in discomfort and evaluating the patient’s overall condition.
- What is the goal of a nursing care plan for abdominal hernia? - The goal of a nursing care plan for abdominal hernia is to help the patient achieve optimal health outcomes and manage their condition effectively.
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