Risk Of Disuse Syndrome

Nursing Diagnosis Definition

The nursing diagnosis for "Risk of Disuse Syndrome" is defined as "an increased susceptibility to developing physical and functional deterioration secondary to limited mobility and inactivity." This diagnosis is used to identify individuals at risk of experiencing disuse syndrome and to implement preventive interventions.

Defining Characteristics

Subjective

• The individual reports decreased mobility and activity level, and expresses concern about the potential negative effects on their health: Subjective complaints indicating awareness of reduced mobility and activity, with expressed health concerns.

Objective

• The individual demonstrates decreased muscle mass and strength, decreased cardiovascular and respiratory function, and an increased risk of infections and pressure ulcers: Objective observations of physical indicators associated with disuse syndrome, including muscle mass, cardiovascular and respiratory function, and infection/pressure ulcer risk.

Related Factors

• Prolonged bed rest or immobilization: Extended periods of restricted movement contributing to increased risk.
• Chronic health conditions that limit mobility, such as arthritis or stroke: Underlying health issues impacting mobility.
• Injuries or surgeries that affect mobility: Physical trauma or surgical procedures influencing movement.
• Age-related changes that affect mobility and physical function: Natural aging processes impacting physical capabilities.
• Medications that cause drowsiness or sedation, limiting mobility and activity level: Pharmaceutical agents inducing sedation affecting mobility.
• Environmental barriers, such as a lack of accessible transportation or safe spaces for physical activity: External factors hindering opportunities for physical activity.

Risk Population

• Individuals who are bedridden or immobile for prolonged periods of time: Prolonged lack of mobility elevating the risk of disuse syndrome.
• Individuals with chronic health conditions that affect mobility, such as arthritis, stroke, or Parkinson's disease: Underlying health issues affecting the ability to move.
• Individuals who have recently undergone surgeries or procedures that affect mobility: Postoperative or post-procedural conditions impacting movement.
• Older adults, who are more likely to experience age-related changes that affect mobility and physical function: Aging individuals facing natural decline in physical abilities.
• Individuals in a care setting, such as a hospital or nursing home, where they may be more likely to be exposed to environmental hazards that can contribute to disuse syndrome: Those in care environments with potential risks for limited mobility.

Associated Problems

• Decreased muscle mass and strength: Reduction in muscle size and power.
• Decreased cardiovascular and respiratory function: Impaired functioning of the heart and lungs.
• Increased risk of infections, such as pneumonia: Elevated susceptibility to infectious diseases.
• Increased risk of pressure ulcers: Higher likelihood of developing pressure sores.
• Decreased overall health and quality of life: Deterioration in general health and well-being.

Suggestions for Use

• The nursing diagnosis of "Risk of Disuse Syndrome" should be used when assessing individuals who are at risk of developing this condition due to limited mobility and inactivity: Utilize this diagnosis when evaluating individuals with potential risk factors for disuse syndrome.
• It should be used in conjunction with other nursing diagnoses to create a comprehensive care plan that addresses all of the individual's needs: Combine this diagnosis with others to formulate a holistic care plan that covers all aspects of the individual's health.

Suggested alternative Nursing Diagnoses

• Impaired Physical Mobility: Difficulty or inability to move purposefully within one's environment.
• Impaired Bed Mobility: Limitation in independent, purposeful movement from the bed to a standing position.
• Impaired Transfer Ability: Difficulty moving from one location to another.
• Risk for Infection: Vulnerability to invasion and multiplication of infectious organisms.
• Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity: Vulnerable to alteration in epidermis and/or dermis.

Usage tips

• It is important to keep in mind that disuse syndrome can develop quickly in individuals who are bedridden or immobile for prolonged periods of time, so early identification and intervention is crucial: Recognize the potential rapid onset of disuse syndrome and intervene early.
• Be sure to consider any environmental barriers that may be contributing to the individual's limited mobility and inactivity, such as a lack of accessible transportation or safe spaces for physical activity: Evaluate external factors that may hinder mobility and address them in the care plan.
• Include family members or caregivers in the care plan, as they can provide support and assistance with mobility and activities of daily living: Engage family members or caregivers for additional support in facilitating mobility.
• Be aware of any medications that the individual is taking that may cause drowsiness or sedation, as these can contribute to limited mobility and inactivity: Monitor medications for potential side effects impacting mobility and adjust as needed.

NOC Results

• Mobility: This outcome measures the patient's ability to move around and perform activities of daily living, and the effectiveness of interventions to improve mobility and prevent disuse syndrome.
• Physical Function: This outcome measures the patient's overall physical function and ability to perform activities of daily living, and the effectiveness of interventions to improve physical function and prevent disuse syndrome.
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function: This outcome measures the patient's cardiovascular and respiratory function, and the effectiveness of interventions to improve these functions and prevent disuse syndrome.
• Infection Control: This outcome measures the patient's risk of infection, including the risk of disuse syndrome-related infections, and the effectiveness of interventions to reduce the risk of infection.
• Skin Integrity: This outcome measures the patient's risk of pressure ulcers, and the effectiveness of interventions to improve skin integrity and prevent disuse syndrome.

NIC Interventions

• Mobility Promotion: This intervention involves promoting the patient's mobility and physical activity to prevent disuse syndrome.
• Physical Therapy: This intervention involves providing physical therapy to improve the patient's physical function and prevent disuse syndrome.
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Therapy: This intervention involves providing therapy to improve the patient's cardiovascular and respiratory function and prevent disuse syndrome.
• Infection Control: This intervention involves implementing measures to reduce the patient's risk of infection, including the risk of disuse syndrome-related infections.
• Pressure Ulcer Prevention: This intervention involves implementing measures to prevent pressure ulcers and improve skin integrity to prevent disuse syndrome.