How do you write a diagnostic statement for risk, problem-focused and health promotion diagnoses?

NANDA

How do you write a diagnostic statement for risk, problem-focused and health promotion diagnoses?
NANDA International

When writing a diagnostic statement using the Problem-etiology-symptom (PES) method, we are conveying a lot of information to our colleagues. We start with the diagnosis itself, followed by the etiologic factors (related factors in an actual diagnosis). Finally, we identify the major signs/symptoms (Defining characteristics) that are appearing in the patient, in the case of actual diagnoses. In the case of risk and health promotion diagnoses, no etiologic factors apply, so we identify risk factors that predispose a patient to a potential problem for risk diagnoses, or evidence that suggests a potential for health promotion (Defining characteristics) for a health promotion diagnosis.

PROBLEM-FOCUSED DIAGNOSIS
Problem-Focused Diagnosis related to ______________________ (Related Factors) as evidenced by _________________________ (Defining Characteristics).

Problem-Focused Diagnosis Example: Anxiety related to situational crises and stress (related factors) as evidenced by restlessness, insomnia, anguish and anorexia (defining characteristics).

RISK DIAGNOSIS
For risk diagnoses, there are no related factors (etiological factors), since we are identifying a vulnerability in a patient for a potential problem; the problem is not yet present. Therefore we identify the risk factors that predispose the individual to a potential problem.

The correct statement for a NANDA-I nursing diagnosis would be: Risk for _____________ as evidenced by __________________________ (Risk Factors).

Risk Diagnosis Example: Risk for infection as evidenced by inadequate vaccination and immunosuppression (risk factors).

HEALTH PROMOTION DIAGNOSIS
Because health promotion diagnoses do not require a related factor, there is no “related to” in the writing of this diagnosis. Instead, the defining characteristic(s) are provided as evidence of the desire on the part of the patient to improve his/her current health state.

Health Promotion Diagnosis Example: Readiness for enhanced self-care as evidenced by expressed desire to enhance self-care.

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Author
Anna Curran. RN, BSN, PHN

Anna Curran. RN, BSN, PHN
Clinical Nurse Instructor

Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Critical Care Transport Nurse
Clinical Nurse Instructor for LVN and BSN students

Anna began writing extra materials to help her BSN and LVN students with their studies and writing nursing care plans. She takes the topics that the students are learning and expands on them to try to help with their understanding of the nursing process and help nursing students pass the NCLEX exams.

Her experience spans almost 30 years in nursing, starting as an LVN in 1993. She received her RN license in 1997. She has worked in Medical-Surgical, Telemetry, ICU and the ER. She found a passion in the ER and has stayed in this department for 30 years.

She is a clinical instructor for LVN and BSN students and a Emergency Room RN / Critical Care Transport Nurse.

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