Dizziness is a common complaint characterized by sensations of lightheadedness, vertigo, or unsteadiness that can significantly impact patient safety and quality of life. This nursing diagnosis focuses on identifying causes, managing symptoms, and preventing dizziness-related complications.
Causes (Related to)
Dizziness can result from various underlying conditions and factors:
- Cardiovascular conditions:
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Arrhythmias
- Carotid artery disease
- Heart failure
- Neurological disorders:
- Vestibular neuritis
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Migraine
- Metabolic disturbances:
- Dehydration
- Hypoglycemia
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Anemia
- Environmental factors:
- Medication side effects
- Motion sickness
- Inner ear infections
- Visual disturbances
Signs and Symptoms (As evidenced by)
Subjective: (Patient reports)
- Spinning sensation
- Lightheadedness
- Unsteadiness
- Nausea
- Visual disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fear of falling
- Balance problems
Objective: (Nurse assesses)
- Unsteady gait
- Poor coordination
- Nystagmus
- Changes in blood pressure with position
- Impaired balance
- Abnormal neurological signs
- Decreased activity level
- Use of assistive devices
Expected Outcomes
- The patient will maintain balance and stability during activities
- The patient will demonstrate safe mobility techniques
- The patient will identify and avoid triggers
- The patient will report decreased episodes of dizziness
- The patient will remain free from injury
- The patient will maintain normal blood pressure with position changes
- The patient will return to normal daily activities
Nursing Assessment
Monitor Vital Signs
- Check orthostatic blood pressure
- Assess heart rate and rhythm
- Monitor respiratory rate
- Document temperature
Evaluate Neurological Status
- Assess the level of consciousness
- Check balance and coordination
- Test gait
- Evaluate cranial nerves
- Monitor mental status
Assess Contributing Factors
- Review medication history
- Check hydration status
- Evaluate nutritional status
- Document recent illnesses
- Review activity patterns
Screen for Safety Risks
- Evaluate fall risk
- Assess home environment
- Check the use of assistive devices
- Document support systems
- Monitor activity tolerance
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing Care Plan 1: Risk for Falls
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Falls related to dizziness and impaired balance as evidenced by unsteady gait and reported vertigo.
Related Factors:
- Impaired balance
- Vertigo
- Muscle weakness
- Environmental hazards
- Medication effects
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Implement fall precautions
Rationale: Prevents injury from falls - Assist with ambulation
Rationale: Ensures patient safety during movement - Maintain clear pathways
Rationale: Reduces environmental hazards
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will remain free from falls
- The patient will demonstrate safe mobility techniques
- The patient will maintain balance during activities
Nursing Care Plan 2: Impaired Physical Mobility
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Impaired Physical Mobility related to dizziness and vertigo as evidenced by difficulty maintaining balance and decreased activity tolerance.
Related Factors:
- Vestibular dysfunction
- Fear of falling
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Sensory deficits
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Provide assistive devices
Rationale: Supports safe mobility - Teach compensatory techniques
Rationale: Improves balance and stability - Implement exercise program
Rationale: Strengthens muscles and improves balance
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate improved balance
- The patient will maintain safe mobility
- The patient will increase activity tolerance
Nursing Care Plan 3: Anxiety
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Anxiety related to fear of falling and loss of control, as evidenced by expressed concerns and increased tension.
Related Factors:
- Fear of injury
- Unpredictable symptoms
- Loss of independence
- Social isolation
- Previous falls
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Provide emotional support
Rationale: Reduces anxiety and builds confidence - Teach coping strategies
Rationale: Helps manage anxiety symptoms - Encourage verbalization of fears
Rationale: Identifies specific concerns for intervention
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will report decreased anxiety
- The patient will demonstrate effective coping strategies
- The patient will maintain social activities
Nursing Care Plan 4: Risk for Injury
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Injury related to altered sensory perception and balance disturbances as evidenced by unsteady gait and impaired coordination.
Related Factors:
- Impaired balance
- Visual disturbances
- Environmental hazards
- Medication effects
- Cognitive changes
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Modify environment
Rationale: Reduces risk of accidents - Teach safety precautions
Rationale: Promotes injury prevention - Monitor medication effects
Rationale: Identifies potential contributors to injury risk
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will remain free from injury
- The patient will demonstrate safety awareness
- The patient will maintain a safe environment
Nursing Care Plan 5: Knowledge Deficit
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Knowledge Deficit related to unfamiliarity with dizziness management strategies as evidenced by questions about self-care and prevention.
Related Factors:
- Lack of exposure to information
- Misinterpretation of information
- Cognitive limitations
- Language barriers
- Cultural factors
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Provide education about the condition
Rationale: Improves understanding and self-management - Teach prevention strategies
Rationale: Reduces frequency of episodes - Demonstrate management techniques
Rationale: Enhances practical skills
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will verbalize understanding of the condition
- The patient will demonstrate proper management techniques
- The patient will identify warning signs and triggers
References
- Ackley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2023). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
- Hanley K, O’Dowd T, Considine N. A systematic review of vertigo in primary care. Br J Gen Pract. 2001 Aug;51(469):666-71. PMID: 11510399; PMCID: PMC1314080.
- Harding, M. M., Kwong, J., & Hagler, D. (2022). Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, Single Volume. Elsevier.
- Herdman, T. H., Kamitsuru, S., & Lopes, C. (2024). NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses – Definitions and Classification, 2024-2026.
- Ignatavicius, D. D., Rebar, C., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care. Elsevier.
- Nguyen-Huynh AT. Evidence-based practice: management of vertigo. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2012 Oct;45(5):925-40. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2012.06.001. PMID: 22980676; PMCID: PMC3444821.
- Silvestri, L. A. (2023). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
- Sloane PD, Dallara J, Roach C, Bailey KE, Mitchell M, McNutt R. Management of dizziness in primary care. J Am Board Fam Pract. 1994 Jan-Feb;7(1):1-8. PMID: 8135132.
