Elderly woman in a wheelchair being assisted by a nurse in a long-term care facility
Elderly woman in a wheelchair being assisted by a nurse in a long-term care facility

Nursing Diagnosis for Seniors in Long-Term Care: A Comprehensive Guide

As the global population ages, the need for specialized geriatric care, particularly in long-term care settings, is increasingly critical. Nursing diagnoses form the bedrock of effective care plans, ensuring that elderly residents in these facilities receive personalized and comprehensive support. This guide delves into the essential role of nursing diagnoses for seniors in long-term care, providing a robust framework for nurses and healthcare professionals to enhance the well-being and quality of life for this vulnerable population.

Gerontology Nursing in Long-Term Care: A Specialized Approach

Gerontology nursing, also known as geriatric nursing, is a specialized field focused on the unique healthcare needs of older adults. Within long-term care facilities, this specialization becomes even more crucial. Long-term care settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers, cater to seniors who require ongoing medical and personal care due to chronic illnesses, functional limitations, or cognitive decline.

Geriatric nurses in long-term care address a wide spectrum of needs, encompassing the physiological, psychological, social, economic, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of aging. These professionals understand that aging is a multifaceted process, and care must be holistic and collaborative. Effective geriatric nursing in long-term care involves a team approach, working closely with families, communities, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to leverage diverse expertise and resources. This collaborative effort is essential to optimize the quality of life for elderly residents and ensure they receive the comprehensive support they deserve.

Geriatric nursing care planning in long-term care is specifically centered on promoting healthy aging, restoring functional abilities, enhancing safety, preventing illness and injury, and facilitating healing within the context of a residential care environment.

Elderly woman in a wheelchair being assisted by a nurse in a long-term care facilityElderly woman in a wheelchair being assisted by a nurse in a long-term care facility

The Critical Role of Nursing Diagnosis in Senior Long-Term Care

Nursing diagnoses are standardized statements that describe a patient’s health problems based on a thorough assessment. In the context of long-term care for seniors, nursing diagnoses are indispensable for several reasons:

  • Individualized Care Planning: Each senior in long-term care has unique needs, health conditions, and life circumstances. Nursing diagnoses ensure that care plans are tailored to address these individual differences, moving beyond generic approaches to personalized care.
  • Effective Communication: Nursing diagnoses provide a common language for healthcare professionals to communicate about a resident’s health status and care needs. This standardized language enhances clarity and coordination among nurses, physicians, therapists, and other members of the care team.
  • Guiding Interventions: A well-formulated nursing diagnosis directly guides the selection of appropriate nursing interventions. By clearly identifying the problem, nurses can implement targeted strategies to address the resident’s specific needs and achieve desired outcomes.
  • Measuring Outcomes: Nursing diagnoses provide a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of care. By tracking the resolution or management of diagnosed problems, the care team can monitor progress, adjust interventions as needed, and ensure that care is goal-oriented and impactful.
  • Focus on Holistic Needs: Nursing diagnoses in geriatric long-term care consider the physical, psychological, social, and functional aspects of a senior’s well-being. This holistic approach ensures that care addresses the full spectrum of a resident’s needs, promoting overall wellness and quality of life.

Common Nursing Diagnoses for Seniors in Long-Term Care

Seniors in long-term care are susceptible to a range of health challenges due to aging and often multiple chronic conditions. Here are some common nursing diagnosis categories relevant to this population, with examples tailored to the long-term care setting:

1. Risk for Falls

Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Falls related to age-related physiological changes, potential medication side effects, and environmental hazards in the long-term care facility.

Defining Characteristics (Assessment Cues):

  • History of falls.
  • Impaired mobility and balance.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Sensory deficits (vision, hearing).
  • Cognitive impairment or confusion.
  • Use of medications that can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
  • Environmental hazards in the long-term care environment (e.g., cluttered hallways, poor lighting).

Goals:

  • The resident will remain free from falls during their stay in long-term care.
  • The resident and care team will implement and maintain fall prevention strategies within the long-term care environment.

Nursing Interventions:

  • Comprehensive Fall Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of the resident’s fall risk factors upon admission and regularly thereafter. Utilize standardized fall risk assessment tools appropriate for long-term care settings.
  • Environmental Safety Modifications: Assess the resident’s living space and the common areas of the facility for fall hazards. Ensure adequate lighting, remove tripping hazards (rugs, cords), and install grab bars in bathrooms and hallways.
  • Assistive Devices and Mobility Aids: Assess the resident’s need for assistive devices such as walkers, canes, or wheelchairs. Ensure proper fitting and safe use of these aids.
  • Medication Review: Collaborate with the physician and pharmacist to review the resident’s medication regimen. Identify and address medications that may increase fall risk.
  • Regular Exercise and Physical Therapy: Encourage participation in exercise programs designed to improve strength, balance, and coordination. Physical therapy may be beneficial for residents with significant mobility impairments.
  • Staff Education and Awareness: Educate all long-term care staff on fall prevention strategies, including proper transfer techniques, safe ambulation assistance, and environmental safety protocols.
  • Hip Protectors: Consider the use of hip protectors for residents at high risk of hip fractures from falls, as appropriate and in accordance with resident preference and facility policy.
  • Regular Monitoring and Documentation: Continuously monitor the resident’s mobility status and fall risk. Document any falls or near falls and adjust the care plan accordingly.

2. Impaired Physical Mobility

Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Physical Mobility related to musculoskeletal changes, chronic pain, decreased muscle strength, or neurological conditions common in seniors in long-term care.

Defining Characteristics (Assessment Cues):

  • Limited range of motion.
  • Difficulty with transfers (bed to chair, etc.).
  • Slowed movement.
  • Weakness.
  • Reluctance to move.
  • Pain on movement.
  • Contractures or joint stiffness.

Goals:

  • The resident will maintain or improve their level of mobility within their physical limitations in the long-term care setting.
  • The resident will participate in activities to promote mobility and prevent complications of immobility.

Nursing Interventions:

  • Mobility Assessment: Assess the resident’s current mobility level, range of motion, muscle strength, and balance upon admission and regularly.
  • Individualized Exercise Program: Develop and implement an individualized exercise program in consultation with physical therapy, focusing on range of motion, strengthening, and balance exercises.
  • Regular Repositioning: For residents with limited mobility, implement a regular repositioning schedule (e.g., every 2 hours) to prevent pressure ulcers and promote circulation.
  • Assistive Devices and Adaptive Equipment: Provide and ensure the proper use of assistive devices such as walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and adaptive equipment for dressing, bathing, and toileting.
  • Pain Management: Address pain effectively to facilitate participation in mobility activities. Administer pain medications as prescribed and explore non-pharmacological pain management techniques.
  • Encourage Active Participation: Encourage the resident to participate actively in mobility activities to the extent of their ability. Provide positive reinforcement and support.
  • Safe Transfer Techniques: Utilize safe transfer techniques and lifting devices when assisting residents with transfers to minimize strain and prevent injury to both residents and staff.
  • Monitor for Complications of Immobility: Regularly assess for complications of immobility such as pressure ulcers, constipation, and respiratory issues. Implement preventive measures.

3. Risk for Infection

Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Infection related to age-related changes in the immune system, chronic illnesses, invasive procedures (catheters, IVs), and potential exposure to pathogens in the long-term care environment.

Defining Characteristics (Assessment Cues):

  • Age-related immune system decline.
  • Presence of chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, COPD).
  • Invasive devices (urinary catheters, intravenous lines).
  • Breaks in skin integrity (wounds, pressure ulcers).
  • Decreased mobility and potential for stasis of secretions.
  • Exposure to other residents and staff in the long-term care facility.

Goals:

  • The resident will remain free from infection during their stay in long-term care.
  • The resident and care team will implement infection prevention measures within the long-term care setting.

Nursing Interventions:

  • Infection Risk Assessment: Assess the resident’s risk factors for infection upon admission and monitor regularly.
  • Hand Hygiene: Emphasize and practice meticulous hand hygiene for all staff, residents, and visitors. Ensure readily available hand sanitizer stations throughout the facility.
  • Standard Precautions: Adhere strictly to standard precautions, including the use of gloves, gowns, and masks when indicated.
  • Catheter Care: If a urinary catheter is in place, provide meticulous catheter care to prevent urinary tract infections. Minimize catheter use whenever possible.
  • Wound Care: Provide diligent wound care for any skin breaks, pressure ulcers, or surgical sites. Follow established protocols for wound cleansing and dressing changes.
  • Respiratory Hygiene: Encourage respiratory hygiene practices, such as covering coughs and sneezes. Promote pneumonia and influenza vaccinations for residents and staff.
  • Environmental Control: Maintain a clean and sanitary environment in the long-term care facility. Follow established protocols for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment.
  • Early Detection and Management of Infection: Monitor residents for signs and symptoms of infection (changes in mental status, fever, cough, urinary changes). Report suspected infections promptly and initiate appropriate medical treatment.
  • Nutritional Support: Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration to support the resident’s immune system.

4. Disturbed Sleep Pattern

Nursing Diagnosis: Disturbed Sleep Pattern related to age-related sleep changes, chronic pain, medical conditions, environmental factors in long-term care, or medication side effects.

Defining Characteristics (Assessment Cues):

  • Reports of difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
  • Frequent awakenings during the night.
  • Daytime sleepiness or fatigue.
  • Changes in usual sleep patterns.
  • Restlessness at night.
  • Use of sleep aids.
  • Environmental factors in long-term care (noise, light, room temperature).

Goals:

  • The resident will achieve an optimal sleep pattern that promotes rest and well-being in the long-term care setting.
  • The resident will report improved sleep quality and reduced daytime fatigue.

Nursing Interventions:

  • Sleep Pattern Assessment: Assess the resident’s usual sleep patterns, routines, and any factors that may be contributing to sleep disturbances. Gather information from the resident and family.
  • Optimize Sleep Environment: Create a conducive sleep environment in the resident’s room. Minimize noise and light, ensure comfortable room temperature, and provide comfortable bedding.
  • Establish Bedtime Routine: Encourage a consistent bedtime routine that promotes relaxation, such as a warm bath, quiet reading, or listening to calming music.
  • Limit Daytime Napping: Discourage long or late afternoon naps, which can interfere with nighttime sleep.
  • Pain Management: Address pain effectively, especially at bedtime, to improve sleep quality.
  • Medication Review: Review the resident’s medications for potential sleep-disrupting side effects. Consult with the physician about adjusting medications or timing if appropriate.
  • Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the evening.
  • Promote Daytime Activity: Encourage daytime activity and physical exercise to promote natural sleep-wake cycles.
  • Relaxation Techniques: Teach and encourage relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery to promote sleep.
  • Monitor and Document Sleep Patterns: Monitor and document the resident’s sleep patterns and the effectiveness of interventions.

5. Constipation

Nursing Diagnosis: Constipation related to decreased physical activity, age-related changes in bowel function, inadequate fluid and fiber intake, medication side effects, or chronic medical conditions common in seniors in long-term care.

Defining Characteristics (Assessment Cues):

  • Infrequent bowel movements (less than 3 per week).
  • Hard, dry stools.
  • Straining during bowel movements.
  • Feeling of incomplete evacuation.
  • Abdominal distention or discomfort.
  • Decreased bowel sounds.
  • History of constipation.

Goals:

  • The resident will establish or maintain a regular bowel elimination pattern in the long-term care setting.
  • The resident will experience soft, easily passed stools without straining.

Nursing Interventions:

  • Bowel Pattern Assessment: Assess the resident’s usual bowel elimination pattern, including frequency, consistency, and any contributing factors to constipation.
  • Increase Fluid Intake: Encourage increased fluid intake (unless contraindicated) to at least 1500-2000 ml per day to promote stool softening.
  • Increase Fiber Intake: Encourage a diet rich in fiber, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to add bulk to the stool and promote bowel regularity.
  • Promote Physical Activity: Encourage regular physical activity and ambulation (as tolerated) to stimulate peristalsis and bowel function.
  • Establish Regular Toileting Schedule: Establish a regular toileting schedule, especially after meals, to take advantage of gastrocolic reflexes.
  • Privacy and Positioning: Provide privacy and comfortable positioning for bowel movements.
  • Medication Review: Review the resident’s medications for constipating side effects. Consult with the physician about alternative medications if possible.
  • Laxatives and Stool Softeners: Administer laxatives or stool softeners as prescribed and as needed, following a stepwise approach starting with bulk-forming agents and progressing as necessary. Monitor for effectiveness and side effects.
  • Monitor Bowel Movements: Monitor and document the frequency, consistency, and amount of bowel movements.

6. Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements

Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements related to decreased appetite, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), medical conditions, cognitive impairment, depression, or social isolation common in seniors in long-term care.

Defining Characteristics (Assessment Cues):

  • Unintentional weight loss.
  • Decreased food intake.
  • Weakness and fatigue.
  • Poor appetite.
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
  • Anorexia.
  • Pale conjunctiva and mucous membranes.
  • Poor skin turgor.
  • Muscle wasting.
  • Laboratory values indicating malnutrition (e.g., low albumin, pre-albumin).

Goals:

  • The resident will achieve and maintain adequate nutritional intake to meet their body requirements in the long-term care setting.
  • The resident will demonstrate improved nutritional status, as evidenced by stable weight, improved energy levels, and laboratory values within acceptable limits.

Nursing Interventions:

  • Nutritional Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive nutritional assessment, including dietary history, weight history, food preferences, swallowing ability, and relevant laboratory values.
  • Dietary Modifications: Modify diet as needed to address swallowing difficulties (dysphagia diets), food preferences, and nutritional needs. Consult with a registered dietitian for individualized dietary plans.
  • Mealtime Assistance: Provide assistance with feeding as needed, ensuring a pleasant and dignified mealtime experience.
  • Oral Hygiene: Ensure good oral hygiene to improve appetite and taste perception.
  • Frequent Small Meals: Offer frequent, small, nutrient-dense meals and snacks throughout the day, rather than large meals.
  • Nutritional Supplements: Provide nutritional supplements as prescribed to increase caloric and protein intake.
  • Appetite Stimulants: Consider appetite stimulants as prescribed by the physician for residents with persistent poor appetite.
  • Monitor Weight and Intake: Monitor weight regularly and document food and fluid intake.
  • Create Social Meal Environment: Encourage socialization during mealtimes to improve appetite and enjoyment of food.
  • Address Underlying Factors: Identify and address underlying factors contributing to poor nutrition, such as depression, pain, or medical conditions.

7. Risk for Aspiration

Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Aspiration related to dysphagia, decreased level of consciousness, impaired gag reflex, neuromuscular disorders, or feeding tubes in seniors in long-term care.

Defining Characteristics (Assessment Cues):

  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
  • Coughing or choking during or after meals.
  • Wet or gurgling voice after swallowing.
  • Impaired gag reflex.
  • Decreased level of consciousness.
  • Neuromuscular disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, stroke).
  • Presence of feeding tubes.
  • History of aspiration pneumonia.

Goals:

  • The resident will remain free from aspiration during meals and at other times in the long-term care setting.
  • The resident will maintain a clear airway and normal breath sounds.

Nursing Interventions:

  • Swallowing Assessment: Conduct a thorough swallowing assessment by a speech therapist or trained nurse to identify residents at risk for aspiration.
  • Positioning During Meals: Position the resident upright (90 degrees) during meals and for at least 30-60 minutes after meals to facilitate swallowing and digestion.
  • Dietary Modifications (Texture and Consistency): Provide foods and liquids of appropriate texture and consistency as recommended by the speech therapist (e.g., thickened liquids, pureed foods).
  • Small Bites and Slow Pace: Offer small bites of food and encourage slow eating and thorough chewing.
  • Supervise Meals: Supervise meals closely for residents at high risk for aspiration.
  • Minimize Distractions: Minimize distractions during mealtimes to promote focus on eating and swallowing.
  • Oral Care: Maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
  • Suction Equipment at Bedside: Keep suction equipment readily available at the bedside for residents at high risk of aspiration.
  • Educate Staff and Family: Educate staff and family members on aspiration precautions and safe feeding techniques.
  • Monitor for Signs of Aspiration: Monitor residents for signs and symptoms of aspiration, such as coughing, choking, wet voice, shortness of breath, or changes in lung sounds.

8. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity

Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity related to immobility, decreased sensory perception, incontinence, malnutrition, and age-related skin changes in seniors in long-term care.

Defining Characteristics (Assessment Cues):

  • Immobility or limited mobility.
  • Decreased sensory perception.
  • Incontinence (urinary or fecal).
  • Malnutrition or dehydration.
  • Age-related skin changes (thinning, dryness).
  • Friction and shear forces.
  • Moisture from perspiration or wound drainage.
  • Presence of medical devices (e.g., oxygen tubing, catheters).

Goals:

  • The resident will maintain intact skin integrity throughout their stay in long-term care.
  • The resident will remain free from pressure ulcers and skin breakdown.

Nursing Interventions:

  • Skin Assessment: Conduct a thorough skin assessment upon admission and regularly thereafter, paying particular attention to bony prominences and areas at risk for pressure.
  • Pressure Relief Measures: Implement pressure relief measures for residents with limited mobility, including regular repositioning (at least every 2 hours), pressure-redistributing mattresses and cushions, and lifting devices for transfers.
  • Skin Hygiene: Maintain skin hygiene by keeping the skin clean and dry. Use gentle cleansers and avoid harsh soaps.
  • Moisture Management: Manage moisture from incontinence, perspiration, or wound drainage promptly. Use moisture-barrier creams as needed.
  • Incontinence Care: Provide meticulous incontinence care to prevent skin breakdown from prolonged exposure to urine or stool.
  • Nutritional Support: Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration to promote skin health and healing.
  • Avoid Friction and Shear: Minimize friction and shear forces during repositioning and transfers by using lift sheets and proper techniques.
  • Padding and Protection: Pad bony prominences with pillows or cushions to reduce pressure. Protect fragile skin from injury.
  • Regular Skin Inspections: Perform regular skin inspections, especially in high-risk areas, to detect early signs of skin breakdown.
  • Pressure Ulcer Prevention Protocols: Follow established pressure ulcer prevention protocols within the long-term care facility.

Alt text: A geriatric nurse carefully examines the heel of a senior resident in long-term care, emphasizing proactive skin integrity assessment for pressure ulcer prevention.

Nursing Assessment in Long-Term Care for Nursing Diagnosis

Effective nursing diagnosis for seniors in long-term care begins with a comprehensive and ongoing assessment. This assessment should encompass:

  • Physical Assessment: A thorough head-to-toe physical examination, including vital signs, skin assessment, mobility assessment, neurological assessment, respiratory and cardiovascular assessment, and assessment of bowel and bladder function.
  • Functional Assessment: Evaluation of the resident’s ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Tools like the Katz Index of ADLs and the Lawton-Brody IADL Scale can be helpful.
  • Cognitive and Mental Health Assessment: Assessment of cognitive function, memory, orientation, and mood. Screening for dementia and depression is crucial. Tools like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) can be used.
  • Psychosocial Assessment: Evaluation of the resident’s social support, emotional well-being, coping mechanisms, and spiritual needs.
  • Medication Review: A thorough review of all medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, to identify potential side effects and drug interactions.
  • Environmental Assessment: Assessment of the resident’s living environment within the long-term care facility to identify safety hazards and ensure a comfortable and supportive setting.
  • Pain Assessment: Regular assessment of pain using appropriate pain scales, considering both verbal and nonverbal cues, especially for residents with cognitive impairment.
  • Nutritional Assessment: Evaluation of nutritional status, including weight history, dietary intake, swallowing ability, and relevant laboratory values.
  • Sleep Assessment: Assessment of sleep patterns, routines, and any sleep disturbances.

Nursing Interventions in Long-Term Care: Implementing Care Plans

Nursing interventions in long-term care are the actions nurses take to address the identified nursing diagnoses and achieve the established goals. These interventions are tailored to the individual needs of each resident and are implemented within the context of the long-term care setting. They encompass a wide range of activities, including:

  • Direct Care: Providing hands-on care, such as assistance with ADLs, medication administration, wound care, and mobility assistance.
  • Education: Educating residents, families, and staff on health conditions, medications, treatments, and preventive measures.
  • Coordination of Care: Collaborating with physicians, therapists, social workers, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure coordinated and holistic care.
  • Advocacy: Advocating for the resident’s needs and preferences, ensuring their voice is heard in care planning decisions.
  • Emotional Support: Providing emotional support and counseling to residents and families to address psychosocial needs and promote well-being.
  • Environmental Management: Creating and maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment within the long-term care facility.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously monitoring the resident’s condition and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, adjusting the care plan as needed.

Setting Goals for Seniors in Long-Term Care: Achieving Positive Outcomes

Goal setting is a crucial component of nursing care planning in long-term care. Goals should be:

  • Specific: Clearly define what is to be achieved.
  • Measurable: Quantifiable so progress can be tracked.
  • Achievable: Realistic and attainable for the resident.
  • Relevant: Aligned with the resident’s needs and priorities.
  • Time-bound: Include a timeframe for achievement.

Goals for seniors in long-term care are often focused on:

  • Maintaining or improving functional abilities.
  • Preventing complications.
  • Managing chronic conditions.
  • Enhancing comfort and quality of life.
  • Promoting safety and independence.
  • Supporting psychosocial well-being.

Resources for Nursing Diagnoses in Long-Term Care

Utilizing resources such as nursing diagnosis handbooks, online databases, and continuing education programs is essential for nurses in long-term care to stay current with best practices in nursing diagnosis and care planning. Some valuable resources include:

  • Nursing Diagnosis Handbooks: Reference books such as “Ackley and Ladwig’s Nursing Diagnosis Handbook” and “Nursing Diagnosis Manual: Planning, Individualizing, and Documenting Client Care” provide comprehensive information on nursing diagnoses, defining characteristics, related factors, goals, and interventions.
  • Online Nursing Diagnosis Resources: Websites and databases dedicated to nursing diagnoses can offer quick access to information and updates. Nurseslabs.com, for example, provides a wide range of nursing care plans and information on nursing diagnoses.
  • Professional Nursing Organizations: Organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) offer resources, guidelines, and continuing education opportunities in geriatric nursing and nursing diagnosis.
  • Continuing Education Programs: Participating in continuing education programs focused on geriatric nursing and nursing diagnosis helps nurses enhance their knowledge and skills in this specialized area.

Conclusion: Enhancing Senior Care Through Nursing Diagnosis

Nursing diagnosis is fundamental to providing high-quality, individualized care for seniors in long-term care settings. By utilizing a systematic approach to assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation, nurses can effectively address the complex and multifaceted needs of this vulnerable population. A strong foundation in nursing diagnosis empowers nurses to create and implement care plans that promote safety, comfort, function, and overall well-being, ultimately enhancing the lives of seniors residing in long-term care facilities.

Recommended Resources

Recommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and resources.

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Ackley and Ladwig’s Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An Evidence-Based Guide to Planning CareWe love this book because of its evidence-based approach to nursing interventions. This care plan handbook uses an easy, three-step system to guide you through client assessment, nursing diagnosis, and care planning. Includes step-by-step instructions showing how to implement care and evaluate outcomes, and help you build skills in diagnostic reasoning and critical thinking.

Nursing Care Plans – Nursing Diagnosis & Intervention (10th Edition)Includes over two hundred care plans that reflect the most recent evidence-based guidelines. New to this edition are ICNP diagnoses, care plans on LGBTQ health issues, and on electrolytes and acid-base balance.

Nurse’s Pocket Guide: Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions, and Rationales Quick-reference tool includes all you need to identify the correct diagnoses for efficient patient care planning. The sixteenth edition includes the most recent nursing diagnoses and interventions and an alphabetized listing of nursing diagnoses covering more than 400 disorders.

Nursing Diagnosis Manual: Planning, Individualizing, and Documenting Client Care Identify interventions to plan, individualize, and document care for more than 800 diseases and disorders. Only in the Nursing Diagnosis Manual will you find for each diagnosis subjectively and objectively – sample clinical applications, prioritized action/interventions with rationales – a documentation section, and much more!

All-in-One Nursing Care Planning Resource – E-Book: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Maternity, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Includes over 100 care plans for medical-surgical, maternity/OB, pediatrics, and psychiatric and mental health. Interprofessional “patient problems” focus familiarizes you with how to speak to patients.

See also

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References and Sources

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