Self-neglect is a behavioral pattern characterized by an individual’s failure to attend to their basic needs, personal hygiene, health, or safety. This nursing diagnosis focuses on identifying risk factors, implementing interventions, and promoting self-care behaviors to improve patient outcomes.
Causes (Related to)
Self-neglect can arise from various underlying factors:
- Cognitive impairment or decline
- Mental health disorders
- Physical disabilities
- Substance abuse
- Social isolation
- Limited financial resources
- Depression or anxiety
- Loss of motivation
- Lack of support systems
- Cultural or personal beliefs
Signs and Symptoms (As evidenced by)
Subjective: (Patient reports)
- Feeling overwhelmed by self-care tasks
- Lack of interest in personal care
- Difficulty maintaining daily routines
- Feeling worthless or hopeless
- Social withdrawal
- Fatigue or low energy
- Poor appetite
Objective: (Nurse assesses)
- Poor personal hygiene
- Unkempt appearance
- Inappropriate or soiled clothing
- Unpleasant body odor
- Untreated medical conditions
- Poor medication compliance
- Unsafe living conditions
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Unclean living environment
- Hoarding behaviors
Expected Outcomes
The following outcomes indicate successful management of self-neglect:
- The patient will demonstrate improved personal hygiene
- The patient will maintain a safe living environment
- The patient will adhere to the medication regimen
- The patient will seek appropriate medical care
- The patient will maintain adequate nutrition and hydration
- The patient will engage in self-care activities
- The patient will utilize support systems effectively
- The patient will show improved motivation for self-care
Nursing Assessment
1. Evaluate Physical Status
- Assess hygiene practices
- Check nutritional status
- Monitor vital signs
- Review medication compliance
- Assess skin integrity
- Document physical limitations
2. Assess Mental Status
- Evaluate cognitive function
- Screen for depression
- Check decision-making capacity
- Assess motivation level
- Monitor mood changes
- Document orientation status
3. Review Environmental Factors
- Assess home safety
- Check living conditions
- Evaluate access to resources
- Document support systems
- Monitor financial status
- Assess transportation access
4. Evaluate Risk Factors
- Screen for substance abuse
- Check for chronic conditions
- Assess social isolation
- Review cultural factors
- Document previous history
- Monitor safety risks
5. Assess Support Systems
- Evaluate family involvement
- Check community resources
- Review social connections
- Document caregiver status
- Assess cultural support
- Monitor professional support
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing Care Plan 1: Impaired Self-Care
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Impaired Self-Care related to decreased motivation and cognitive impairment as evidenced by poor hygiene and unkempt appearance.
Related Factors:
- Cognitive decline
- Depression
- Physical limitations
- Lack of motivation
- Social isolation
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Establish a daily hygiene routine
Rationale: Creates structure and promotes habit formation - Assist with personal care activities
Rationale: Provides support while maintaining dignity - Encourage independence in self-care
Rationale: Promotes self-efficacy and confidence
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate improved personal hygiene.
- The patient will maintaina regular self-care routine
- The patient will show increased motivation for self-care
Nursing Care Plan 2: Ineffective Health Management
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Ineffective Health Management related to inadequate knowledge and support systems as evidenced by poor medication compliance and missed medical appointments.
Related Factors:
- Knowledge deficit
- Limited resources
- Poor support system
- Complex health regimen
- Transportation barriers
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Develop medication schedule
Rationale: Improves medication adherence - Coordinate healthcare appointments
Rationale: Ensures continuity of care - Connect with community resources
Rationale: Enhances access to healthcare services
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will maintain medication compliance
- The patient will attend scheduled appointments
- The patient will utilize available healthcare resources
Nursing Care Plan 3: Imbalanced Nutrition
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements related to poor self-care practices as evidenced by weight loss and inadequate food intake.
Related Factors:
- Poor appetite
- Limited food access
- Inadequate resources
- Depression
- Physical limitations
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Monitor nutritional intake
Rationale: Identifies nutritional deficits - Arrange meal delivery services
Rationale: Ensures regular access to meals - Provide nutritional education
Rationale: Improves understanding of dietary needs
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will maintain adequate nutrition
- The patient will demonstrate weight stability
- The patient will show an improved appetite
Nursing Care Plan 4: Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity related to poor hygiene and self-care practices as evidenced by skin breakdown and poor wound healing.
Related Factors:
- Poor hygiene
- Malnutrition
- Immobility
- Incontinence
- Decreased sensation
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Perform regular skin assessments
Rationale: Early detection of skin problems - Implement skincare routine
Rationale: Prevents skin breakdown - Teach proper skin care techniques
Rationale: Promotes skin health maintenance
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will maintain skin integrity
- The patient will perform regular skincare
- The patient will identify skin problems early
Nursing Care Plan 5: Ineffective Coping
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Ineffective Coping related to overwhelming life demands as evidenced by social withdrawal and neglect of self-care responsibilities.
Related Factors:
- Stress
- Limited support
- Poor coping skills
- Mental health issues
- Social isolation
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Provide emotional support
Rationale: Builds therapeutic relationship - Teach coping strategies
Rationale: Improves stress management - Connect with support groups
Rationale: Reduces isolation
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate improved coping skills
- The patient will engage in social activities
- The patient will utilize support systems effectively
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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- 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.
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