Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is a complex gastrointestinal condition characterized by upper abdominal discomfort or pain. This nursing diagnosis focuses on identifying and managing dyspepsia symptoms, preventing complications, and improving patient quality of life.
Causes (Related to)
Dyspepsia can affect patients through various mechanisms, with several factors contributing to its development and severity:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Medication side effects (NSAIDs, antibiotics)
- Lifestyle factors such as:
- Poor dietary habits
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Stress
- Medical conditions include:
- Gastritis
- Gastroparesis
- Gallbladder disease
- Pancreatic disorders
- Anxiety disorders
Signs and Symptoms (As evidenced by)
Dyspepsia presents with characteristic signs and symptoms that nurses must recognize for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Subjective: (Patient reports)
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
- Early satiety
- Postprandial fullness
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Belching
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
Objective: (Nurse assesses)
- Epigastric tenderness on palpation
- Changes in vital signs
- Weight changes
- Signs of malnutrition
- Altered eating patterns
- Gastrointestinal sounds
- Signs of dehydration
- Evidence of anxiety or stress
Expected Outcomes
The following outcomes indicate successful management of dyspepsia:
- The patient will report decreased abdominal discomfort
- The patient will maintain adequate nutritional intake
- The patient will identify and avoid trigger foods
- The patient will demonstrate effective stress management techniques
- The patient will adhere to the prescribed medication regimen
- The patient will maintain optimal weight
- Patient will return to normal eating patterns
Nursing Assessment
1. Monitor Gastrointestinal Status
- Assess abdominal pain characteristics
- Evaluate eating patterns
- Monitor bowel habits
- Check for signs of complications
- Document trigger factors
2. Evaluate Nutritional Status
- Monitor weight changes
- Assess dietary intake
- Document food intolerances
- Check hydration status
- Evaluate meal portions and timing
3. Review Medication History
- Document current medications
- Assess for medication side effects
- Review over-the-counter drug use
- Check for herbal supplements
- Monitor medication compliance
4. Assess Lifestyle Factors
- Evaluate stress levels
- Document sleep patterns
- Review dietary habits
- Check alcohol consumption
- Assess smoking status
5. Monitor for Complications
- Check for signs of bleeding
- Assess for weight loss
- Monitor for anemia
- Evaluate mental health status
- Document any new symptoms
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing Care Plan 1: Acute Pain
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Acute Pain related to gastric inflammation and increased acid production as evidenced by reported epigastric pain, guarding behavior, and facial grimacing.
Related Factors:
- Gastric inflammation
- Increased acid production
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Dietary triggers
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess pain characteristics (location, intensity, duration)
Rationale: Establishes baseline and monitors treatment effectiveness - Administer prescribed medications as ordered
Rationale: Reduces pain and gastric acid production - Teach relaxation techniques
Rationale: Helps reduce stress-induced symptoms
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will report decreased pain intensity
- The patient will identify effective pain management strategies
- The patient will demonstrate an improved comfort level
Nursing Care Plan 2: Imbalanced Nutrition
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than body requirements related to decreased intake and early satiety as evidenced by weight loss and altered eating patterns.
Related Factors:
- Early satiety
- Poor appetite
- Fear of pain after eating
- Altered taste sensation
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Monitor nutritional intake
Rationale: Ensures adequate nutrition - Provide small, frequent meals
Rationale: Prevents overloading of the stomach - Identify food preferences and tolerances
Rationale: Promotes optimal nutrition while avoiding triggers
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will maintain adequate nutritional intake
- The patient will demonstrate weight stability
- The patient will report an improved appetite
Nursing Care Plan 3: Anxiety
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Anxiety related to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms as evidenced by expressed concerns, restlessness, and increased symptoms during stress.
Related Factors:
- Chronic symptoms
- Impact on daily activities
- Fear of serious illness
- Social limitations
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Provide emotional support
Rationale: Reduces anxiety and promotes coping - Teach stress management techniques
Rationale: Helps control symptom exacerbation - Encourage expression of concerns
Rationale: Identifies specific anxiety triggers
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate reduced anxiety levels
- The patient will utilize effective coping strategies
- The patient will report improved symptom control
Nursing Care Plan 4: Deficient Knowledge
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Deficient Knowledge related to lack of information about dyspepsia management as evidenced by questions about diet and medication regimen.
Related Factors:
- Limited exposure to information
- Misinterpretation of symptoms
- Complex treatment regimen
- Language barriers
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Provide education about the condition
Rationale: Improves understanding and compliance - Demonstrate lifestyle modifications
Rationale: Enhances self-management skills - Review medication instructions
Rationale: Ensures proper medication use
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will verbalize understanding of the condition
- The patient will demonstrate proper medication administration
- The patient will identify appropriate dietary choices
Nursing Care Plan 5: Disturbed Sleep Pattern
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Disturbed Sleep Pattern related to nocturnal dyspepsia symptoms as evidenced by difficulty falling asleep and frequent awakenings.
Related Factors:
- Nocturnal symptoms
- Anxiety about symptoms
- Poor sleep hygiene
- Medication timing
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess sleep patterns
Rationale: Identifies specific sleep disturbances - Teach sleep hygiene practices
Rationale: Promotes better sleep quality - Plan medication timing
Rationale: Minimizes nighttime symptoms
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will report improved sleep quality
- The patient will maintain a regular sleep schedule
- The patient will demonstrate proper sleep hygiene
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.
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- Harding, M. M., Kwong, J., & Hagler, D. (2022). Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, Single Volume. Elsevier.
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- Ignatavicius, D. D., Rebar, C., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care. Elsevier.
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