Question

What is wrong with the format of this diagnostic statement:

Possible Risk for Constipation related to irregular defecation habits A.M.B. verbalizing that "When I'm busy, I can't always take the time to go to the bathroom."
1) Possible nursing diagnoses do not have signs and symptoms.
2) A nursing diagnosis is either possible or it is a risk, not both.
3) Risk for Constipation is a medical diagnosis.
4) The etiology is actually a defining characteristic.

Answer 1

The format of the diagnostic statement is incorrect due to multiple issues: possible nursing diagnoses do not have signs and symptoms; a nursing diagnosis is either possible or a risk, not both; risk for constipation is a nursing diagnosis, not a medical diagnosis; and the etiology should be a potential cause or risk factor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The format of the diagnostic statement Possible Risk for Constipation related to irregular defecation habits A.M.B. verbalizing that 'When I'm busy, I can't always take the time to go to the bathroom.' has several issues:

1. Possible nursing diagnoses do not have signs and symptoms. The statement should only include the risk factor or potential problem, which in this case is 'Risk for Constipation.'
2. A nursing diagnosis is either possible or it is a risk, not both. 'Risk for Constipation' is more appropriate in this case.
3. 'Risk for Constipation' is a nursing diagnosis, not a medical diagnosis.
4. The etiology should be a potential cause or risk factor for the problem, not a defining characteristic.

A correctly formatted diagnostic statement could be: Risk for Constipation related to irregular defecation habits A.M.B. verbalizing that 'When I'm busy, I can't always take the time to go to the bathroom.'