Activity Intolerance Nursing Diagnosis: A Comprehensive Guide

Activity intolerance as a nursing diagnosis is defined as a state in which a person has insufficient physiological or psychological energy to perform or complete their desired or necessary daily activities. This diagnosis applies across all age groups, from children to older adults, and is particularly relevant for individuals with a history of reduced activity or previous experiences of intolerance. Numerous underlying health conditions and factors can elevate a person’s risk of developing activity intolerance.

Important Note on Terminology: It’s crucial to recognize that the term “Activity Intolerance” has been updated to “Decreased Activity Tolerance” by the NANDA International Diagnosis Development Committee (DDC). This change reflects ongoing efforts to standardize nursing language. While “Decreased Activity Tolerance” is the most current and officially recognized term, “Activity Intolerance” remains in common use, especially in resources and clinical settings that may not have fully adopted the revised nomenclature. For the purpose of this comprehensive guide, we will primarily use “Activity Intolerance,” while acknowledging the updated term for clarity and to ensure familiarity with both terminologies.

In this article, we will delve into the multifaceted aspects of activity intolerance, covering its causes, signs and symptoms, nursing assessments, effective interventions, and tailored care plans to optimize patient outcomes.

Causes of Activity Intolerance (Related Factors)

Activity intolerance is often a secondary issue stemming from various underlying conditions and physiological stressors. Identifying these root causes is crucial for developing targeted interventions. Common related factors include:

• Respiratory Conditions: Conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis directly impact oxygen intake and utilization. Reduced lung capacity and impaired gas exchange lead to shortness of breath and fatigue, significantly limiting physical activity. In COPD, for instance, airflow obstruction and lung damage result in decreased oxygen levels and increased work of breathing, making even simple activities challenging.

• Anemia: Anemia, characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin, reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. This oxygen deficit leads to fatigue and weakness, key components of activity intolerance. Different types of anemia, such as iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, or anemia of chronic disease, can all contribute to decreased energy levels and reduced ability to perform activities.

• Malnutrition: Inadequate nutrition deprives the body of essential energy sources and nutrients required for cellular function and muscle strength. Both macronutrient (protein, carbohydrates, fats) and micronutrient (vitamins, minerals) deficiencies can lead to generalized weakness and fatigue. Conditions like anorexia nervosa, malabsorption syndromes, or simply poor dietary intake can result in malnutrition-related activity intolerance.

• Depression: Depression is a significant mental health condition that profoundly impacts energy levels and motivation. Neurochemical imbalances in the brain associated with depression can cause persistent fatigue, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of exhaustion, leading to activity intolerance. Psychological fatigue can be as debilitating as physical fatigue.

• Acute and Chronic Pain: Pain, whether acute (sudden onset, often related to injury or surgery) or chronic (persistent, lasting longer than three months), acts as a major barrier to physical activity. Pain restricts movement, reduces willingness to engage in activities, and can lead to muscle weakness due to disuse. Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or post-operative pain can significantly contribute to activity intolerance.

• Decreased Mobility: Reduced mobility, whether due to surgical procedures, injuries, prolonged bed rest, or sedentary lifestyles, directly impairs physical function. Immobility leads to muscle deconditioning, joint stiffness, and decreased cardiovascular fitness, all of which contribute to activity intolerance. Post-surgical patients or individuals recovering from fractures often experience this type of activity intolerance.

• Inadequate Sleep: Insufficient or poor-quality sleep disrupts the body’s restorative processes. Sleep deprivation leads to fatigue, reduced cognitive function, and decreased physical stamina, directly impacting activity tolerance. Conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, or irregular sleep schedules can result in chronic sleep deficit and subsequent activity intolerance.

• Cognitive Impairment: Cognitive impairments, such as those seen in dementia, delirium, or stroke, can affect a person’s ability to plan, initiate, and execute activities. Impaired judgment, memory deficits, and reduced motor planning skills can lead to difficulty performing daily tasks and reduced overall activity levels.

• Generalized Weakness: Generalized weakness, often stemming from muscle atrophy, deconditioning, chronic illnesses, or electrolyte imbalances, represents a broad category contributing to activity intolerance. Muscle weakness reduces the physical capacity to perform activities, leading to fatigue and exertional discomfort. Conditions like sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) or prolonged illness can result in generalized weakness.

Understanding these diverse causes is essential for nurses to conduct thorough assessments and develop individualized care plans to address activity intolerance effectively.

Alt text: Nurse carefully assists a senior patient with walking exercises in a hospital room, demonstrating support for mobility and rehabilitation.

Signs and Symptoms of Activity Intolerance (Defining Characteristics)

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of activity intolerance is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention. These indicators can be categorized into subjective reports from the patient and objective observations made by the nurse.

Subjective Symptoms (Patient Reports)

Subjective data relies on what the patient communicates about their experience. Common patient-reported symptoms include:

• Patient’s Report of Decreased Activity/Weakness: This is a primary indicator. Patients may express feeling generally weaker than usual, noticing a decline in their ability to perform activities they previously managed without difficulty. They might say, “I just can’t do as much as I used to,” or “I feel so weak all the time.”

• Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea) with Exertion: Patients may report experiencing breathlessness or difficulty breathing when attempting physical activities. This symptom, known as exertional dyspnea, indicates that the body’s oxygen supply is not meeting the demands of activity. Patients might describe it as “getting winded easily” or feeling “out of breath” after minimal exertion.

• Fatigue: Fatigue is a pervasive feeling of tiredness or exhaustion that is not relieved by rest. In the context of activity intolerance, fatigue is often disproportionate to the level of activity performed. Patients may describe feeling “tired all the time,” “drained,” or lacking energy even after resting. It’s important to differentiate this from normal tiredness after strenuous activity.

• Exertional Discomfort: This encompasses various unpleasant sensations experienced during or after activity. It can include chest pain, muscle aches, general discomfort, or feeling unwell upon exertion. Patients may describe “chest tightness,” “muscle fatigue,” or feeling “achy” after attempting to be active.

Objective Signs (Nurse Assesses)

Objective data is gathered through direct observation and measurement by the nurse. Key objective signs of activity intolerance include:

• Abnormal Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Response to Activity: A healthy physiological response to activity involves a moderate increase in heart rate and systolic blood pressure. In activity intolerance, the response may be exaggerated (excessive increase) or blunted (insufficient increase). An abnormal response could manifest as a heart rate that rises too rapidly or excessively with minimal activity, a blood pressure that doesn’t increase appropriately, or even a drop in blood pressure (hypotension) post-exertion.

• Changes to ECG: Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring during activity can reveal cardiac abnormalities indicative of activity intolerance, especially in patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions. Changes such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), ST-segment depression (indicating myocardial ischemia), or other conduction abnormalities may be observed during or immediately after activity.

• Signs of Pain with Movement/Activity: While pain can be subjective, observable signs of pain during activity are objective indicators. These may include grimacing, guarding (protecting a painful area), limping, or reluctance to move a body part. These signs indicate that pain is a limiting factor in the patient’s ability to engage in activity.

• Difficulty Engaging in Activity: This is a direct observation of the patient’s functional limitations. It can manifest as struggling to initiate or complete a task, requiring assistance for activities of daily living (ADLs) they were previously independent in, or demonstrating visible effort and strain during simple movements.

• Increased Oxygen Demands: This is often evidenced by observable signs of increased respiratory effort and potential desaturation. The nurse may observe increased respiratory rate (tachypnea), use of accessory muscles for breathing, nasal flaring, or a decrease in oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) when the patient attempts activity. Pulse oximetry monitoring during activity can objectively measure oxygen saturation.

Recognizing both subjective and objective signs is crucial for a comprehensive assessment of activity intolerance and for tailoring appropriate nursing interventions.

Alt text: Nurse expertly measures a patient’s blood pressure using a digital monitor in a hospital setting, focusing on cardiovascular assessment.

Expected Outcomes for Activity Intolerance

Establishing clear and measurable expected outcomes is fundamental to effective nursing care planning for activity intolerance. These outcomes serve as goals for patient progress and guide the selection of appropriate interventions. Common expected outcomes include:

• Patient’s Vital Signs Will Normalize with Activity: This outcome focuses on physiological stability. “Normalization” means that the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate will remain within acceptable limits or return to baseline levels within a reasonable timeframe after activity. Specific parameters will be individualized based on the patient’s pre-activity vital signs and medical history.

• Patient Will Be Able to Participate in PT and OT Sessions: This outcome emphasizes functional improvement and rehabilitation. Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) are crucial for regaining strength, endurance, and functional skills. Achieving participation in these sessions indicates progress in activity tolerance and the patient’s ability to engage in therapeutic activities.

• Patient’s Activity Will Return to Baseline Activity Level: This outcome aims to restore the patient’s pre-illness or pre-injury functional capacity. “Baseline activity level” refers to the level of activity the patient was capable of before the onset of activity intolerance. This outcome is particularly relevant for patients recovering from acute illnesses or injuries.

• Patient Will Be Able to Independently Complete Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Independence in ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting, is a key functional goal. This outcome signifies a significant improvement in activity tolerance and the patient’s ability to care for themselves.

• Patient’s Heart Rhythm Will Remain Stable Throughout Activity: For patients with cardiac conditions or those at risk for arrhythmias, maintaining a stable heart rhythm during activity is paramount. This outcome ensures cardiovascular safety and prevents activity-induced cardiac complications. ECG monitoring may be used to assess this outcome.

• Patient Will Verbalize Understanding of the Need to Gradually Increase Activity Level and How to Accomplish This: Patient education and self-management are vital for long-term success. This outcome ensures that the patient understands the principles of progressive activity increase, including pacing, energy conservation techniques, and recognizing signs of overexertion. It empowers patients to actively participate in their recovery and prevent relapses.

These expected outcomes provide a framework for monitoring patient progress and adjusting the nursing care plan as needed to achieve optimal functional recovery.

Nursing Assessment for Activity Intolerance

A thorough nursing assessment is the cornerstone of addressing activity intolerance. It involves gathering both subjective and objective data to understand the patient’s individual limitations and needs. Key assessment areas include:

1. Assess the Patient’s Present Level of Activity and Tolerance to Activity: This initial assessment establishes a baseline. The nurse should inquire about the patient’s typical daily activities, recent changes in activity levels, and what activities currently cause fatigue, shortness of breath, or discomfort. Tools like activity logs, questionnaires, or standardized functional assessments can be used to quantify activity levels and tolerance. Understanding the starting point is crucial for developing a personalized activity plan and tracking progress.

2. Assess the Patient’s Vital Signs: Measuring baseline vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation) at rest is essential. Furthermore, vital signs should be assessed before, during, and after activity to evaluate the physiological response to exertion. This helps identify abnormal responses, such as excessive heart rate increase, blood pressure fluctuations, or oxygen desaturation, which indicate activity intolerance.

3. Assess the Underlying Cause of Activity Intolerance: Identifying the root cause is crucial for targeted interventions. This involves reviewing the patient’s medical history, current diagnoses, medications, and recent health events. The nurse should consider the wide range of potential causes, from respiratory and cardiovascular conditions to anemia, pain, depression, and deconditioning. Diagnostic tests and consultations with other healthcare professionals may be necessary to pinpoint the underlying cause.

4. Review Medication List: Certain medications and their side effects can contribute to activity intolerance. For example, some medications can cause fatigue, dizziness, or muscle weakness. A thorough medication review helps identify potential medication-related factors. If a medication is suspected to be contributing to activity intolerance, the nurse should collaborate with the physician to explore alternative medications or adjust dosages if appropriate. Sometimes, simply changing the time of day a medication is taken can mitigate side effects.

5. Assess Nutritional Status: Adequate nutrition is fundamental for energy production and physical function. Nutritional assessment should include dietary history, weight changes, and assessment for signs of malnutrition. Laboratory tests may be ordered to assess nutritional status more objectively. Addressing nutritional deficiencies is crucial for improving energy levels and activity tolerance.

6. Assess Potential Need for Assistive Devices with Activity: Lack of appropriate assistive devices can be a significant barrier to activity. The nurse should assess whether the patient could benefit from devices such as walkers, canes, wheelchairs, or orthotics to enhance mobility and safety. If assistive devices are needed, the nurse should ensure they are readily available, properly fitted, and that the patient is educated on their safe use.

7. Assess Skin Integrity Frequently: Patients with activity intolerance, particularly those with decreased mobility or bed rest, are at increased risk of pressure ulcers. Regular skin assessments, especially over bony prominences, are essential to prevent skin breakdown. Using validated risk assessment tools like the Braden Scale can help identify patients at higher risk. Proactive skin care measures, such as frequent repositioning and pressure relief, should be implemented.

By systematically addressing these assessment areas, nurses can gain a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s activity intolerance and develop individualized care plans to promote improvement.

Alt text: Nurse gently examines a patient’s skin on their arm in a hospital bed, focusing on skin assessment and pressure ulcer prevention.

Nursing Interventions for Activity Intolerance

Nursing interventions are crucial for managing activity intolerance and promoting patient recovery. These interventions are tailored to the individual patient’s needs and limitations, focusing on gradually improving activity tolerance and addressing contributing factors.

1. If the Patient is Limited to Bed-Rest, Begin with Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: For patients confined to bed rest, initiating Range of Motion (ROM) exercises is essential to prevent muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and circulatory complications. ROM exercises can be active (patient performs independently), passive (nurse assists), or active-assistive (patient performs with some assistance). Starting with ROM exercises helps maintain joint flexibility and muscle tone even when mobility is limited. The intensity and type of ROM exercises should be adapted to the patient’s current tolerance level, gradually increasing as tolerated.

2. Monitor Vital Signs Throughout Activity: Continuous monitoring of vital signs during activity is crucial for patient safety. This allows the nurse to detect any abnormal responses, such as excessive heart rate increase, significant blood pressure changes, or oxygen desaturation. Vital signs should be monitored before, during, and after activity, especially when progressing activity levels. This monitoring helps determine the patient’s physiological response to activity and guides adjustments to the activity plan.

3. Provide Supplemental Oxygen Therapy as Needed: Patients with activity intolerance, particularly those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, may experience shortness of breath and oxygen desaturation during activity. Supplemental oxygen therapy can help maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels and reduce dyspnea. Oxygen should be administered as prescribed, and oxygen saturation levels should be monitored closely during activity to ensure effectiveness and adjust flow rates as needed.

4. Provide Frequent Position Changes: For patients with limited mobility or bed rest, frequent position changes are vital to prevent pressure ulcers, respiratory complications, and circulatory stasis. Repositioning should be performed at least every two hours, or more frequently as needed, to relieve pressure on bony prominences and promote circulation. Position changes should be tailored to the patient’s individual needs and comfort, considering any medical restrictions.

5. Provide Appropriate Nutritional Supplements When Indicated: Nutritional deficiencies can exacerbate activity intolerance. If a patient is malnourished or at risk for malnutrition, providing appropriate nutritional supplements is essential. This may include oral supplements, enteral nutrition (tube feeding), or parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding), depending on the patient’s needs and ability to tolerate oral intake. Adequate nutrition provides the energy and nutrients required to improve muscle strength and activity tolerance.

6. Utilize Appropriate Assistive Devices if Needed: Providing and ensuring the proper use of assistive devices can significantly enhance a patient’s ability to engage in activity. This may include walkers, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, or other devices tailored to the patient’s specific needs. The nurse should ensure that assistive devices are readily available, properly fitted, and that the patient and caregivers are educated on their safe and effective use.

7. Treat Pain as Needed: Pain is a major barrier to activity. Effective pain management is crucial to improve activity tolerance. Pain should be assessed regularly using pain scales, and pain medication should be administered as prescribed, ideally in advance of planned activities. Non-pharmacological pain management techniques, such as heat, cold, massage, or relaxation techniques, can also be used to complement medication and enhance pain relief.

8. Discuss Order for PT/OT with MD: Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) are essential resources for patients with activity intolerance. PT focuses on improving mobility, strength, and endurance through targeted exercises and rehabilitation programs. OT focuses on improving functional skills for activities of daily living and adapting tasks to the patient’s capabilities. The nurse should advocate for PT/OT referrals and collaborate with therapists to develop comprehensive rehabilitation plans.

9. Provide Emotional Support to the Patient: Activity intolerance can be emotionally challenging for patients, leading to frustration, discouragement, and decreased self-esteem. Providing emotional support is crucial to maintain motivation and adherence to activity plans. Nurses should offer encouragement, acknowledge the patient’s efforts, and help them set realistic goals. Addressing psychological factors, such as anxiety or depression, can also be important.

10. Educate the Patient on How to Safely Increase Activity Level at Home: Patient education is key to promoting long-term self-management and preventing relapses. The nurse should educate the patient and caregivers on strategies for gradually increasing activity levels at home, including pacing techniques, energy conservation strategies, recognizing signs of overexertion, and the importance of regular rest periods. Providing written materials and demonstrating exercises can enhance patient understanding and adherence.

By implementing these comprehensive nursing interventions, nurses can effectively address activity intolerance, improve patient function, and promote a return to optimal activity levels.

Nursing Care Plans for Activity Intolerance

Nursing care plans provide a structured framework for organizing assessments and interventions for patients with activity intolerance. They help prioritize care and ensure a consistent, goal-oriented approach. Here are examples of nursing care plans addressing different aspects of activity intolerance:

Care Plan #1: Activity Intolerance related to Generalized Weakness

Diagnostic Statement: Activity intolerance related to generalized weakness as evidenced by verbal reports of fatigue and exertional discomfort.

Expected Outcomes:

• Patient will exhibit a stable cardiopulmonary status as evidenced by:
  • Heart rate within normal limits or patient’s baseline.
  • Systolic BP within 20mmHg increase over resting systolic BP during activity.
  • Respiratory rate less than 20 breaths/min at rest and during activity.
• Using the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale (0-10), the patient will report a rating of perceived exertion of 3 or less after physical activity.
• Patient will report decreased fatigue levels within one week.
• Patient will perform activities of daily living (ADLs) with minimal assistance within two weeks.

Assessment:

1. Assess precipitating factors: Explore potential underlying causes of generalized weakness, such as chronic diseases (pulmonary, cardiac, endocrine), anemia, malnutrition, or deconditioning.
2. Monitor cardiopulmonary status:
   • Heart rate and rhythm at rest and with activity.
   • Orthostatic blood pressure changes (lying, sitting, standing).
   • Respiratory rate, depth, and effort.
   • Level of consciousness and any changes.
   • Skin color and temperature.
   • Presence of chest discomfort or palpitations.

Interventions:

1. Assist with ADLs as indicated, but avoid promoting dependency: Encourage patient participation in ADLs while providing assistance as needed to conserve energy. Focus on promoting independence and self-esteem.
2. Encourage adequate rest periods: Schedule rest periods, especially before meals, ADLs, and planned exercise sessions, to allow for energy restoration.
3. Assist patient with planning activities: Help the patient plan activities for times when they have the most energy, often in the morning.
4. Encourage physical activity: Promote endurance-enhancing exercises (walking, chair exercises) at a level appropriate for the patient’s tolerance.
5. Progress activities gradually: Implement a graded activity program:
   • Start with active ROM exercises in bed, progress to sitting and standing.
   • Encourage dangling legs at bedside for 10-15 minutes daily to improve orthostatic tolerance.
   • Implement deep breathing exercises at least 3 times daily.
   • Progress to walking in the room for 1-2 minutes, 3 times daily, and gradually increase distance and duration.
   • Eventually progress to walking outside the house as tolerated.
6. Encourage use of assistive devices: Provide and instruct on the use of assistive devices (walkers, wheelchairs, bath benches) to reduce fatigue and discomfort during activities.

Care Plan #2: Activity Intolerance related to Compromised Oxygen Transport (Atelectasis)

Diagnostic Statement: Activity Intolerance related to compromised oxygen transport system secondary to atelectasis as evidenced by increased respiratory rate and cyanosis.

Expected Outcomes:

• Patient will not exhibit signs of respiratory distress secondary to atelectasis as evidenced by:
  • Respiratory rate less than 20 breaths/min at rest and during activity.
  • Absence of dyspnea or shortness of breath.
  • Pinkish skin and nail beds, indicating adequate oxygenation.
  • Absence of use of accessory muscles for breathing.
  • Absence of clubbing of fingers.
  • O2 saturation >95% at rest and with activity.
• Patient will demonstrate energy-conservation techniques during activities.

Assessment:

1. Assess for signs and symptoms of atelectasis:
   • Auscultate for decreased or absent breath sounds, particularly in affected lung area.
   • Note presence of crackles or other adventitious breath sounds.
   • Assess for cough and sputum production (amount, color, consistency).
   • Monitor for dyspnea, tachypnea, and diminished chest expansion.
   • Observe for cyanosis (peripheral or central).
2. Monitor laboratory findings:
   • Review chest x-ray results for tracheal shift, pulmonary opacities, or lung volume reduction.
   • Monitor arterial blood gases (ABGs) for hypoxemia and respiratory alkalosis.
   • Review chest CT scan results for lung densities and volume reduction.

Interventions:

1. Administer medications as indicated: Administer mucolytics (acetylcysteine) to help clear airway mucus. Administer bronchodilators as ordered to open airways. Treat underlying cause of atelectasis (e.g., antibiotics for infection).
2. Encourage deep breathing and incentive spirometry: Instruct patient on proper deep breathing techniques and use of incentive spirometry to promote lung re-expansion.
3. Teach energy conservation techniques: Educate patient on techniques to reduce oxygen consumption:
   • Change positions frequently to promote lung expansion and prevent pooling of secretions.
   • Push rather than pull objects to reduce exertion.
   • Sit down to perform tasks whenever possible.
   • Rest for at least one hour after meals before starting new activities.
   • Organize work-rest-work schedules to pace activities.
4. Refer to respiratory therapist: Consult with respiratory therapy for pulmonary rehabilitation to improve lung function and exercise tolerance.
5. Provide supplemental oxygenation: Administer oxygen therapy as prescribed to maintain O2 saturation >90% and support lung re-expansion.

Care Plan #3: Activity Intolerance related to Physical Deconditioning/Immobility

Diagnostic Statement: Activity intolerance related to physical deconditioning or immobility as evidenced by dyspnea on exertion and abnormal heart rate or blood pressure response to activity.

Expected Outcomes:

• Patient will demonstrate increased tolerance to activity within two weeks.
• Patient will participate in prescribed physical activity with appropriate physiological responses (heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate) within one week.

Assessment:

1. Assess level of physical activity and mobility: Determine baseline functional capacity, usual daily activity levels, and current mobility limitations. Assess need for assistance with mobility.
2. Determine cause of activity intolerance: Identify factors contributing to deconditioning (prolonged bed rest, sedentary lifestyle, chronic illness, psychological factors).
3. Monitor activity tolerance:
   • Assess vital signs (pulse rate, BP, respiratory rate) and oxygen saturation before, during, and after activity.
   • Observe for signs and symptoms of cardiac decompensation: dyspnea, palpitations, chest discomfort, hypotension/hypertension, tachycardia, decreased oxygen saturation, lightheadedness.

Interventions:

1. If patient on bed rest, position upright: Elevate head of bed or assist patient to sit upright to minimize cardiovascular deconditioning and promote optimal fluid distribution.
2. Assist with self-care and gradually increase activity:
   • Assist with ADLs, positioning, and transfers, gradually increasing patient’s participation.
   • Progress from sitting in bed to dangling legs at bedside, standing, and ambulating as tolerated.
   • Ensure patient dangles legs at bedside before standing to assess for postural hypotension.
3. Perform range-of-motion (ROM) exercises: Implement passive or active ROM exercises if patient is immobile or cannot tolerate activity to maintain joint mobility and muscle tone.
4. Refer to physical therapy: Obtain PT referral for a structured physical activity plan to increase activity levels and strength.
5. Provide emotional support and encouragement: Offer emotional support to address fear of breathlessness, pain, or falling. Encourage gradual activity increases and set mutual, achievable goals.
6. Obtain assistive devices: Secure necessary assistive devices (walkers, canes, crutches, portable oxygen) before ambulating patient to enhance safety and support increased activity.

These care plan examples illustrate how nursing diagnoses can be translated into specific, actionable interventions to address activity intolerance effectively, promoting patient recovery and improved quality of life.

References

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