nursing diagnosis for terminal patient

[soontobenurse09]

Hey can anyone give me any ideas on a nursing diagnosis for a terminal patient?

None seem to fit my patient. Help!

[DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP]

Hey can anyone give me any ideas on a nursing diagnosis for a terminal patient?

None seem to fit my patient. Help!

How are they coping with their terminal dx?

How is their family coping?

Are there pain issues?

What is their comfort level?

does the pt have a good support system?

How is their spiritual health?

etc, etc....

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

start by assessing the patient. assessment consists of:

• a health history (review of systems)
  
• performing a physical exam
  
• assessing their adls (at minimum: bathing, dressing, mobility, eating, toileting, and grooming)
  
• reviewing the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms and complications of their medical condition
  
• reviewing the signs, symptoms and side effects of the medications they are taking
  

you might also want to look at end-of life care concerns on some of the hospice sites:

• http://www.mywhatever.com/cifwriter/library/eperc/fastfact/ff_index.html
  
• http://www.stvincent.org/ourservices/hospice/preparing/default.htm - links are on the left side of the page
  

just as doctors determine a medical diagnosis from a group of symptoms, we do the same. one or more abnormal data items make up a nursing diagnosis (nursing problem). you need a nursing diagnosis reference to help you diagnose. the diagnoses don't just jump into your brain. if you don't have a care plan book or a nursing diagnosis reference, there is the nanda nursing diagnosis taxonomy (the list of all the diagnoses, their definitions, related factors and defining characteristics) in the appendix of taber's cyclopedic medical dictionary. every nursing diagnosis has signs and symptoms (defining characteristics). had you posted some of your patient's i could have helped you determine what some of the nursing diagnoses were.

there is information on how to construct a care plan on this thread: https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/help-care-plans-286986.html - help with care plans

[DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP]

Daytonite-

You are a great resource and help to students... We are indeed fortunate to have you on this site.

Thank you!

Best Regards,

Diane

79 days until graduation.....