Characteristics of nursing diagnosis

It is supported by defining characteristics (manifestations, signs, and symptoms) that cluster in patterns of related cues or inferences” (NANDA-I, 2009). This type of nursing diagnosis has four components: label, definition, defining characteristics, and related factors.

The three main components of a nursing diagnosis are: Problem and its definition. Etiology or risk factors. Defining characteristics or risk factors.

A nursing diagnosis helps nurses to see the patient in a holistic perspective, which facilitates the decision of specific nursing interventions. The use of nursing diagnoses can lead to greater quality and patient safety and may increase nurses‘ awareness of nursing and strengthen their professional role.

A nurse making a diagnosis must be working under strict protocol or direct supervision of a physician. Any other diagnosis made by a nurse constitutes the unauthorized practice of medicine. The term nursing diagnosis is often used as the title of a nursing care plan.

Although there are no “laws” (other than HIPPA regulations related to confidentiality) about something like this, it is understood that the primary care provider, physician or advanced practice nurse, (whoever ordered the tests) should see the results first — they usually sign off on them to indicate he or she saw the

Standards of nursing practice developed by the American Nurses‘ Association (ANA) provide guidelines for nursing performance. They are the rules or definition of what it means to provide competent care. Specialty practice guidelines are protocols of care for specific populations.

It describes the principles of professional behaviour that guide safe practice, and clearly outlines the conduct expected of nurses by their colleagues and the broader community. Nurses have a professional responsibility to understand and abide by the code.

Caring is best demonstrated by a nurse’s ability to embody the five core values of professional nursing. Core nursing values essential to baccalaureate education include human dignity, integrity, autonomy, altruism, and social justice.