Hey-- I need help with nursing diagnoses for pancreatitis, or abdominal pain. My patient came in with severe abd. pain and had tests to rule out pancreatitis and they did, so my patient did not have pancreatitis...so Im having trouble with diagnoses. I need 5 and I only have 3. Kinda confused...please help...Thanks Amy

What helped me to figure out Dx's was to take the complete list and find all that could possibly apply to my pt. Then I prioritized them using the ABC's and Maslow's. You may be surprised to find that more apply than what you originally thought.

ETA: WELCOME!!

Here are the nursing diagnoses listed for pancreatitis. Even though it was ruled out, some of these might still apply (like #4, 5 and 7)

1) Acute pain related to irritation and edema of the inflamed pancreas

2) Diarrhea related to decrease in pancreatic secretions resulting in steatorrhea

3) Deficcient fluid volume related to vimiting, decreased fluid intake, diaphoresis, fluid shifts

4) Ineffective breathing pattern related to splinting from severe pain

5) Nausea related to irritation of gastrointestional system

6) Ineffective health maintenance related to deficient knowledge concerning diet, alcohol use, medication

7) Acute pain related to tissue damage

Source: Mosby's Guide to Nursing Diagnosis by Ladwig and Ackley

Good luck!

Don't know what three you have but how about Acute Pain R/T Infectious process M/B verbalized pain, moaning, facial mask of pain; Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume R/T decreased intake; Deficient Knowledge R/T Unfamiliarity with disease M/B Multiple questions; Anxiety R/T Proceedures M/B Increased BP, pulse, respirations; Ineffective coping, R/T recent changes in health status M/B (whatever): Ineffective breathing pattern R/T splinting from severe pain; Nausea R/t irritation of gastrointestinal system

Hope this helps