Question

Of the following types of nursing diagnoses, which one is validated by the presence of major defining characteristics?

1) Risk nursing diagnosis
2) Actual nursing diagnosis
3) Possible nursing diagnosis
4) Wellness diagnosis

Answer 1

An Actual nursing diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of major defining characteristics and involves a current problem that is identified during the nursing assessment.

Step-by-step explanation:

An Actual nursing diagnosis is validated by the presence of major defining characteristics. This type of diagnosis is used when a nurse identifies a current problem that is present at the time of the nursing assessment. These diagnoses are based on the assessment data and might include clinical judgments about a human response to health conditions/life processes that exist in an individual, family, or community.

Examples of actual nursing diagnoses include "Ineffective Breathing Pattern" if the patient demonstrates behaviors such as gasping, labored breathing, or abnormal blood gas values, or "Acute Pain" if the patient reports painful sensations and shows evidence of such through grimacing or elevated pulse. On the other hand, "Risk nursing diagnoses" are concerns that a patient is vulnerable to developing a certain condition but it is not yet present, "Possible nursing diagnoses" indicate that there is insufficient data to determine if a problem exists, and "Wellness diagnoses" do not involve problems but focus on the patient’s readiness to enhance health and wellbeing.