Definition of Nursing Diagnosis:
Nursing diagnosis is the second step of the nursing process. It follows the assessment phase and consists of the Interpretation of assessment data and identification of the client’s strengths and problems. A nursing diagnosis is composed of three components: diagnostic Label (Problem), etiology (Related Factors And Risk Factors), and the defining Characteristics.
Here are the five types of nursing diagnosis as defined by the Nanda system with an example for each category:
ACTUAL DIAGNOSIS:
It states a problem that the patient HAS AT PRESENT
Example: Ineffective Breathing Pattern
RISK NURSING DIAGNOSIS:
Problem DOES NOT EXIST but there are RISK FACTORS indicating that a problem is LIKELY TO DEVELOP if the nurse does not intervene
Example: Risk for Infection
WELLNESS DIAGNOSIS:
Describes HUMAN RESPONSE TO LEVELS OF WELLNESS in an individual, family or community that have readiness or enhancement
Examples: Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well-Being
POSSIBLE NURSING DIAGNOSIS:
A diagnosis made resulting from UNCLEAR OR INCOMPLETE EVIDENCE to a particular health problem
Example: Possible Social Isolation
SYNDROME DIAGNOSIS:
A diagnosis associated with cluster of other diagnoses; a diagnosis made cover all possible nursing diagnoses on the patient
Examples: Risk for Disuse Syndrome