Dyspnea Nursing Care Plans Diagnosis and InterventionsDyspnea NCLEX Review and Nursing Care Plans Show
Respiration is considered as one of the primary vital signs that are monitored by the healthcare providers for their patients. Out of all the vital functions in the body, respiration is unique because its regulation is not only led by automatic centers at the brainstem but also from voluntary signals coming from the cortex. Untoward instances encountered in the control of respirations, the ventilator pump, or gas exchange mechanism will result to an uncomfortable breathing also known as Dyspnea. Although the initial goal is to remedy the physiologic disturbances (e.g., gas exchange), addressing chronic cardiopulmonary disorders also plays a role for better management and monitoring of patients with dyspnea. Signs and Symptoms of DyspneaThe signs and symptoms of dyspnea may be described as:
Causes and Risk Factors of DyspneaThe causes and risk factors of dyspnea revolve around the following encountered problems on the mechanisms of breathing:
Some conditions that may cause short-term dyspnea are as follows:
Some conditions that may cause long-term dyspnea are mentioned below:
Complications of DyspneaComplications of dyspnea coincide with the worsening of the underlying condition. Some of the associated complications are as follows:
Diagnosing dyspnea involves recognizing the issues of the respiratory system and the underlying causes attributed to the condition. This can be initially assessed through a complete medical history and physical examination. However, the assessments and tests mentioned below will further aid in the initial confirmation of dyspnea.
Treatment for DyspneaThe goal of treatment for dyspnea is the control of the pathological mechanisms that relate to the condition.
The different treatment options for dyspnea revolve around treating the underlying condition with a combination of supplemental, pharmacological, and medical regimens. These treatments either address the various pathological mechanisms that are present in dyspnea. The treatment options are:
Dyspnea Nursing DiagnosisNursing Care Plan for Dyspnea 1Dyspnea Nursing Diagnosis: Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to underlying condition as evidenced by abnormal breathing rate, rhythm and depth, and the use of respiratory accessory muscles. Desired Outcome: Patient will maintain an effective breathing pattern as shown by normal and relaxed breathing and absence of dyspnea.
Nursing Care Plan for Dyspnea 2Dyspnea Nursing Diagnosis: Ineffective Airway Clearance related to the increased production of secretions as evidenced by abnormal breath sounds and inability to clear airway secretions. Desired Outcome: The patient will maintain clear airways as shown by normal breath sounds and enhanced removal of secretions.
Nursing Care Plan for Dyspnea 3Dyspnea Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Gas Exchange related to hypoventilation and altered oxygen carrying-capacity of the blood as evidenced by abnormal arterial blood gases, altered mental state, and delayed capillary refill of nail beds. Desired Outcome: Patient maintains optimal gas exchange as shown by arterial blood gases within normal range, recommencement of usual mental status and capillary refill within 2-3 seconds.
Nursing Care Plan for Dyspnea 4Dyspnea Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for decreased Cardiac Output related to increased pulmonary blood pressure, as evidenced by irregular heartbeat, heart rate of 122, dyspnea upon exertion, leg edema, and fatigue Desired outcome: The patient will be able to maintain adequate cardiac output.
Nursing Care Plan for Dyspnea 5Dyspnea Nursing Diagnosis: Activity intolerance related to imbalance between oxygen supply and demand as evidenced by fatigue, overwhelming lack of energy, verbalization of tiredness, generalized weakness, and shortness of breath upon exertion Desired Outcome: The patient will demonstration active participation in necessary and desired activities and demonstrate increase in activity levels.
Nursing ReferencesAckley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2020). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Gulanick, M., & Myers, J. L. (2022). Nursing care plans: Diagnoses, interventions, & outcomes. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Ignatavicius, D. D., Workman, M. L., Rebar, C. R., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2018). Medical-surgical nursing: Concepts for interprofessional collaborative care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Silvestri, L. A. (2020). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Disclaimer:Please follow your facilities guidelines, policies, and procedures. The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is intended to be nursing education and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. What should a nurse do when a patient has dyspnea?Assess and monitor airway, breathing and circulation; maintain close surveillance for deterioration. Maintain open and patent airway with use of positioning, airway adjuncts and secretion clearance. Position to minimize the risk of aspiration, ventilation-perfusion mismatch and breathlessness.
What nursing measures will you take to relief her dyspnea?Nursing interventions for dyspnea relief are geared toward reducing the afferent activity from receptors in the respiratory muscles and dealing with the affective component of dyspnea. These interventions include pacing activities, breathing techniques, and inducing the relaxation response.
How do you deal with a dyspnea patient?For patients with refractory dyspnea, opioids are a safe and effective treatment. Benzodiazepines can be considered, but the evidence for their use is weak. Supplemental oxygen is beneficial if patients are hypoxemic, or if they have concurrent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
What is the best method to assess for dyspnea?The most useful methods of evaluating dyspnea are the electrocardiogram and chest radiographs. These initial modalities are inexpensive, safe and easily accomplished. They can help confirm or exclude many common diagnoses.
|