Final answer:
Ineffective health maintenance is the inability to identify, manage, and seek assistance to maintain health. It is diagnosed based on a person's health perception, beliefs, and knowledge. This diagnosis indicates a lack of understanding or motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ineffective health maintenance is defined by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) as the inability to identify, manage, and seek assistance to maintain health. This diagnosis is based on the assessment of a person's health perception, beliefs, and knowledge, and it indicates a lack of understanding or motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors. For example, a college student who consistently neglects exercise, proper nutrition, or medical appointments may be diagnosed with ineffective health maintenance.