impaired memory nursing diagnosis

Impaired Memory Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan

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Impaired Memory is a condition where an individual experiences difficulty in retaining, recalling, or processing new or previously learned information. This nursing diagnosis focuses on identifying memory impairments, implementing interventions to enhance cognitive function, and preventing further decline.

Causes (Related to)

Memory impairment can stem from various factors affecting cognitive function:

  • Neurological conditions such as:
  • Physiological factors including:
    • Advanced age
    • Sleep deprivation
    • Medication side effects
    • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Psychological conditions such as:
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder
    • Chronic stress
  • Environmental factors including:
    • Sensory overload
    • Unfamiliar surroundings
    • Lack of cognitive stimulation
    • Social isolation

Signs and Symptoms (As evidenced by)

For proper assessment and intervention, Memory impairment presents various indicators that nurses must recognize.

Subjective: (Patient reports)

  • Difficulty remembering recent events
  • Problems with task completion
  • Forgetting appointments
  • Misplacing items
  • Difficulty learning new information
  • Confusion about time and place
  • Trouble following instructions
  • Difficulty recognizing familiar people

Objective: (Nurse assesses)

  • Repeated questioning
  • Inability to follow multi-step commands
  • Poor performance on cognitive assessments
  • Disorganized thinking
  • Difficulty with problem-solving
  • Impaired judgment
  • Inconsistent recall of information
  • Observable confusion

Expected Outcomes

The following outcomes indicate successful management of memory impairment:

  • The patient will demonstrate improved short-term memory recall
  • The patient will utilize memory aids effectively
  • The patient will maintain a safe environment
  • The patient will follow daily routines consistently
  • The patient will recognize familiar people and places
  • The patient will complete basic tasks independently
  • The patient will demonstrate proper use of compensatory strategies
  • The patient will show improved cognitive function scores

Nursing Assessment

Evaluate Cognitive Status

  • Conduct Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
  • Assess orientation to person, place, and time
  • Document memory patterns and deficits
  • Monitor attention span
  • Evaluate learning ability

Review Medical History

  • Check for neurological conditions
  • Review medication list
  • Document recent changes in health status
  • Assess for contributing factors
  • Note family history

Assess Safety Risks

  • Evaluate home environment
  • Check fall risk
  • Assess medication management ability
  • Monitor wandering potential
  • Document safety incidents

Evaluate Support Systems

  • Assess family involvement
  • Document available resources
  • Check caregiver status
  • Note social support network
  • Evaluate living arrangements

Monitor Daily Function

  • Assess ADL performance
  • Check IADLs completion
  • Document routine adherence
  • Evaluate problem-solving ability
  • Monitor decision-making capacity

Nursing Care Plans

Nursing Care Plan 1: Acute Confusion

Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Acute Confusion related to cognitive impairment as evidenced by disorientation and difficulty following instructions.

Related Factors:

  • Neurological changes
  • Medication effects
  • Environmental changes
  • Sensory overload

Nursing Interventions and Rationales:

  1. Maintain a consistent daily routine
    Rationale: Reduces confusion and provides structure
  2. Use orientation cues
    Rationale: Helps maintain temporal and spatial awareness
  3. Minimize environmental distractions
    Rationale: Reduces cognitive overload

Desired Outcomes:

  • The patient will demonstrate improved orientation
  • The patient will follow simple instructions
  • The patient will maintain a consistent daily routine

Nursing Care Plan 2: Risk for Injury

Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Injury related to cognitive impairment as evidenced by poor judgment and confusion.

Related Factors:

  • Impaired memory
  • Decreased safety awareness
  • Poor judgment
  • Environmental hazards

Nursing Interventions and Rationales:

  1. Implement safety precautions
    Rationale: Prevents accidents and injuries
  2. Monitor medication administration
    Rationale: Ensures proper medication management
  3. Provide supervised activities
    Rationale: Maintains safety during tasks

Desired Outcomes:

  • The patient will remain free from injury
  • The patient will demonstrate safe behaviors
  • The patient will use safety devices appropriately

Nursing Care Plan 3: Self-Care Deficit

Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Self-care deficit related to cognitive impairment as evidenced by the inability to complete ADLs independently.

Related Factors:

  • Memory impairment
  • Decreased motivation
  • Physical limitations
  • Cognitive decline

Nursing Interventions and Rationales:

  1. Break tasks into simple steps
    Rationale: Makes activities more manageable
  2. Provide visual cues
    Rationale: Assists with task completion
  3. Encourage independence
    Rationale: Maintains functional abilities

Desired Outcomes:

  • The patient will complete basic ADLs with minimal assistance
  • The patient will use memory aids effectively
  • The patient will maintain personal hygiene

Nursing Care Plan 4: Impaired Social Interaction

Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Impaired Social Interaction related to cognitive impairment as evidenced by difficulty maintaining relationships.

Related Factors:

  • Communication difficulties
  • Social withdrawal
  • Memory deficits
  • Anxiety

Nursing Interventions and Rationales:

  1. Encourage social activities
    Rationale: Maintains social connections
  2. Facilitate family involvement
    Rationale: Provides emotional support
  3. Use communication aids
    Rationale: Enhances social interaction

Desired Outcomes:

  • The patient will participate in social activities
  • The patient will maintain meaningful relationships
  • The patient will demonstrate improved communication

Nursing Care Plan 5: Knowledge Deficit

Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Knowledge Deficit related to cognitive impairment as evidenced by difficulty learning and retaining new information.

Related Factors:

  • Memory impairment
  • Learning difficulties
  • Information overload
  • Decreased comprehension

Nursing Interventions and Rationales:

  1. Use multiple teaching methods
    Rationale: Enhances learning retention
  2. Provide written instructions
    Rationale: Serves as reference material
  3. Repeat information regularly
    Rationale: Reinforces learning

Desired Outcomes:

  • The patient will demonstrate an understanding of basic instructions
  • The patient will use memory aids effectively
  • The patient will show improved information retention

References

  1. 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. 
  2. Bowden, T., Hurt, C. S., Sanders, J., & Aitken, L. M. (2023). Effectiveness of cognitive interventions for adult surgical patients after general anaesthesia to improve cognitive functioning: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 32(13-14), 3117-3129. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16423
  3. Gross AL, Parisi JM, Spira AP, Kueider AM, Ko JY, Saczynski JS, Samus QM, Rebok GW. Memory training interventions for older adults: a meta-analysis. Aging Ment Health. 2012;16(6):722-34. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2012.667783. PMID: 22423647; PMCID: PMC3430800.
  4. Harding, M. M., Kwong, J., & Hagler, D. (2022). Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, Single Volume. Elsevier.
  5. Herdman, T. H., Kamitsuru, S., & Lopes, C. (2024). NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses – Definitions and Classification, 2024-2026.
  6. Ignatavicius, D. D., Rebar, C., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care. Elsevier.
  7. Kleinke F, Michalowsky B, Rädke A, Platen M, Mühlichen F, Scharf A, Mohr W, Penndorf P, Bahls T, van den Berg N, Hoffmann W. Advanced nursing practice and interprofessional dementia care (InDePendent): study protocol for a multi-center, cluster-randomized, controlled, interventional trial. Trials. 2022 Apr 11;23(1):290. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06249-1. PMID: 35410437; PMCID: PMC8996202.
  8. Silvestri, L. A. (2023). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 
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Anna Curran. RN, BSN, PHN

Anna Curran. RN, BSN, PHN I am a Critical Care ER nurse. I have been in this field for over 30 years. I also began teaching BSN and LVN students and found that by writing additional study guides helped their knowledge base, especially when it was time to take the NCLEX examinations.
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