Introduction for Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle
Nurses are in a unique position to prevent, assess, diagnose, and intervene when there is an issue with sedentary lifestyle. Sedentary lifestyle has become a common problem in today’s society due to the increasing amount of time people spend sitting down watching television or playing video games rather than engaging in physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to multiple health complications as well as decrease quality of life. Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle can help nurses better understand this condition and how they can intervene to reduce these risks and decrease complications.
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle is defined as “a state in which an individual is continuously engaged in little or no physical activity, which can result in issues such as physical inactivity, reduced exercise tolerance, and higher risk of chronic diseases.”
Defining Characteristics
Subjective
- Complaints of tiredness resulting from low physical activity levels.
- Decreased interest in recreational activities that require physical exertion.
- Musing about lack of energy.
- Frequent sedentary activities such as video games, television viewing, or internet use.
Objective
- Abnormal Vital Signs e.g. low pulse rate, low blood pressure.
- Low physical strength.
- Inability to perform physical tasks.
- Reduced range of motion.
- Unexplained muscle aches and pains.
The factors related to sedentary lifestyle may include:
- Stressful lifestyle.
- Lack of physical activity resources in the community.
- Pressure to succeed academically or professionally.
- Illness or disability.
- Depression.
Risk Population
Those at risk for having a sedentary lifestyle include:
- Adolescents.
- Individuals suffering from physical disabilities.
- Elderly.
- Resident of low-income areas.
- Work study and/or full time students.
Associated Problems
The increase individuals who are living a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of associated problems including:
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Diabetes.
- Chronic renal failure.
- Hypertension.
- Depression.
- Obesity.
Suggestions of Use
Nurses can use Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle to assess, diagnose, and intervene patients who may be living a sedentary lifestyle. Nurses can also implement interventions such as:
- Encouraging physical activity by providing education about the benefits of incorporating daily physical activities.
- Assessment of patient's current physical activity levels.
- Developing an appropriate exercise regimen based on patient’s assessment results.
- Referring the patient to other healthcare professionals or additional resources (i.e. nutritionists, physical therapists, etc.) who may provide further assistance.
- Monitoring progress through follow-up visits.
Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnosis
Nurses may also consider alternative diagnoses for individuals who are living a sedentary lifestyle such as:
- Inactivity.
- Exercise Tolerance, Decreased.
- Activity Intolerance.
- Fatigue.
- Ineffective Health Maintenance.
- Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity.
Usage Tips
When using Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle, it is important to note that this diagnosis applies when the patient is sedentary as a result of their own choices, i.e. not due to physical illness or disability. It is also important to remember that this diagnosis should be used in combination with other diagnoses to ensure the patient’s overall nursing care plan is comprehensive.
NOC Results
Through using Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle, nurses may observe associated NOC Results including:
- Activity Tolerance: The patient's degree of tolerance for physical activities.
- Health Behaviours: The patient's knowledge, attitudes, skills, and level of participation in behaviours to promote health.
- Exercise Tolerance: The patient's response to physical activities.
- Safety Status: The patient's level of protection from injuries, accidents, and illnesses.
- Energy Conservation: The patient's ability to prioritize activities and conserve energy.
NIC Interventions
When using Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle, nurses may implement any one of the following NIC interventions:
- Health Teaching: Providing information on the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Counselling: Providing emotional support to encourage patient to make changes in lifestyle.
- Exercise Therapy: Providing instruction and encouragement to engage in regular physical activity.
- Safety Management: Developing and implementing safety plans that help reduce risk of injury/illness due to lack of exercise.
- Sensory-Perceptual Assistance: Implementing activities that stimulate the senses, promoting increased awareness of the need to limit sedentary time.
Conclusion
Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle provides a way for nurses to assess, diagnose, and intervene individuals who are leading a sedentary lifestyle. It is important for nurses to be aware of the associated risks and be able to recognize when a patient may need additional help in making positive lifestyle changes. Through the use of Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle, nurses can assist with promoting a healthier lifestyle and preventing the onset of adverse health conditions.
FAQs
- What is Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle?
Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle is defined as “a state in which an individual is continuously engaged in little or no physical activity, which can result in issues such as physical inactivity, reduced exercise tolerance, and higher risk of chronic diseases.”
- Who is at risk for having a sedentary lifestyle?
Those at risk for having a sedentary lifestyle include adolescents, individuals suffering from physical disabilities, elderly, resident of low-income areas, and work study and/or full time students. - What are some interventions to address sedentary lifestyle?
Nurses can implement interventions to address sedentary lifestyle such as encouraging physical activity, developing an appropriate exercise regimen, referring to other healthcare professionals or additional resources, and monitoring progress through follow-up visits.
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