Nursing diagnosis

[Taggart]

I am a first semster student and have done only 1 clinical, so I'm very new at writing a nursing diagnosis. I was just wondering if I can get some help on getting started.

My patient is at risk for imparied skin integriy due to immobility after abdominal surgery and is in alot of pain. Can someome please help me get started?

[jennaroo]

well you seem to already have 1 nursing diagnosis (at risk for impaired skin integrity)....the next step is to explain 'why'

ie. at risk for impaired skin integrity related to ........

I am curious though.....is your patient 'actually' immobile, or just unable to move without causing pain, because immobile and limited mobility are two very different things.

the trick to writing nursing diagnosis is to chose a nursing diagnosis that applies to your patient and explain 'why'. Additionally we are always taught that if it is an 'at risk for' nursing diagnosis then you use the term 'related to' to explain why.....if it is an actual occurrence (ie. acute pain) then you use the term 'as evidenced by' to explain why. Make sense?

Additionally I see the opportunity for additional nursing diagnosis, think about what happens to your body during and after surgery.......

Are you just required to come up with a diagnosis or nursing implementations as well?

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

You are asking people who may or may not be nurses to tell you how to start a nursing diagnosis? You need to talk with your instructor and classmates. To base your nursing diagnosis on a message board for a bachelors degree is not acceptable.