A nurse has established a nursing diagnosis based on a patient’s current problem. This is an example of which type of nursing diagnosis?

A nurse has established a nursing diagnosis based on a patient’s current problem. This is an example of which type of nursing diagnosis?

• A. Actual nursing diagnosis
• B. Risk nursing diagnosis
• C. Wellness nursing diagnosis
• D. Health promotional nursing diagnosis

Answer: (A)

An actual nursing diagnosis is used when the patient has a problem that is currently present and can be validated by assessment data. It relies on defining characteristics—the signs and symptoms or objective data that confirm the problem. So, a diagnosis based on a current problem fits as an actual nursing diagnosis. In contrast, a risk nursing diagnosis points to a potential problem that could develop, without current signs or symptoms. Wellness or health-promotion diagnoses describe a readiness to improve or maintain health, not a present problem.

An actual nursing diagnosis is used when the patient has a problem that is currently present and can be validated by assessment data. It relies on defining characteristics—the signs and symptoms or objective data that confirm the problem. So, a diagnosis based on a current problem fits as an actual nursing diagnosis.

In contrast, a risk nursing diagnosis points to a potential problem that could develop, without current signs or symptoms. Wellness or health-promotion diagnoses describe a readiness to improve or maintain health, not a present problem.