Priority Nursing Diagnoses for Mrs. Y

Concept Map:

Nursing Plan of Care

Case Scenario:

Mrs. J is admitted to the emergency department with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. She was discharged from the hospital 10 days ago and comes in today stating, “I just had to come to the hospital today because I can’t catch my breath and my legs are swollen.” After further questioning, you learn that Mrs. J is strictly following the fluid and salt restriction ordered during her last hospital admission. Mrs. J reports gaining 1 to 2 pounds every day since her discharge.

Concept Map:

Identify two (2) priority nursing diagnoses for Mrs. J and develop a concept map to illustrate them (see example below).

Nursing Plan of Care

For each of the priority nursing diagnoses, establish one (1) goal. For each goal create two (2) nursing interventions.

Mrs. Y

Mrs. Y is an 84-year-old client who was recently discharged from the hospital for an infected diabetic ulcer on her left leg. During her hospitalization, Mrs. Y required intravenous antibiotic therapy through a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line.

Due to Mrs. Y’s long history of diabetes, her physician ordered that intravenous antibiotic therapy be continued at home. Subsequently, home health services were initiated, a home health nurse was assigned to Mrs. Y’s case, and an initial home visit was scheduled.

The home health nurse arrives at Mrs. Y’s home and introduces herself to the client and the family. The nurse explains the home nursing services that will be provided, including the PICC line and intravenous antibiotic therapy treatments.

During the initial home visit, the nurse assessed the physiological, psychological, functional, and safety needs of the client. The nurse’s findings were as follows:

• Mrs. Y lives alone; however, her daughter checks on her frequently throughout the day.
• The client is noted to have moderate functional issues and ambulates with a cane.
• The client has several throw rugs in the main walking quarters and minimal lighting throughout the hallways.
• Mrs. Y states “I used to get around my house with ease, but now I get a little tired and have to sit down and rest frequently.”

Consider Mrs. Y’s current health status and functional decline, then address the following:

• Identify three (3) priority nursing diagnoses for Mrs. Y.
• Create a visual representation of the three (3) priority nursing diagnoses by incorporating them into the Concept Map (template in the worksheet). Be sure each nursing diagnosis includes the following elements:
• “related to (r/t)” — description of the client’s problem
• “as evidenced by” — description of the client’s symptoms
• Complete the Nursing Plan of Care (table in the worksheet) describing what should be implemented for Mrs. Y.
• Goals: Establish at least one (1) goal for each of the nursing diagnoses you identified (for a total of 3 goals). Goals should be: patient specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time limited.
• Nursing Interventions: Describe at least three (3) nursing interventions for each of the goals (for a total of 9 nursing interventions). Each intervention should be in alignment with the goal it is supporting.
• Complete the assignment using proper spelling, grammar, and APA.

Concept Map:

Nursing Plan of Care

Prioritized Nursing Diagnoses

1. Risk for Falls

   Related to: Decreased mobility and environmental hazards

   As evidenced by: Client ambulates with a cane, presence of throw rugs, minimal lighting, and fatigue leading to frequent rests.

2. Impaired Physical Mobility

   Related to: Functional decline and fatigue

   As evidenced by: Client’s statement of tiredness and needing frequent rests

3. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity

   Related to: Presence of diabetic ulcer, impaired mobility, and potential for prolonged pressure on skin

   As evidenced by: History of infected diabetic ulcer

Nursing Plan of Care