Nursing Process: Diagnosis
Category: Nursing Process
Status: Stub — content coming soon
Overview
Nursing diagnosis is the second phase of the nursing process. It involves analyzing assessment data to identify actual or potential health problems that the nurse is licensed to treat.
Types of Nursing Diagnoses (NANDA-I)
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Actual | Problem present now | Impaired Gas Exchange |
| Risk | Potential problem | Risk for Falls |
| Health Promotion | Readiness to improve | Readiness for Enhanced Nutrition |
| Syndrome | Cluster of related diagnoses | Frailty Syndrome |
PES Format (Three-Part Statement)
Problem related to Etiology as evidenced by Signs & Symptoms
Example: Impaired Gas Exchange related to alveolar-capillary membrane changes as evidenced by SpO₂ 89%, RR 28, accessory muscle use
Prioritization Frameworks
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs — physiological needs first
- ABCs — Airway, Breathing, Circulation
- Life-threatening vs. non-life-threatening
Nursing Diagnosis vs. Medical Diagnosis
| Nursing Diagnosis | Medical Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Focuses on human response | Focuses on pathology |
| Within nursing scope | Requires physician/NP/PA |
| Changes as patient changes | More stable |
Notes
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