Disuse syndrome is a condition that can occur when an individual’s mobility and physical function is significantly impaired, leading to a decrease in muscle mass and strength, decreased cardiovascular and respiratory function, and an increased risk of infections and pressure ulcers. The NANDA nursing diagnosis of “Risk of Disuse Syndrome” is used to identify individuals who are at risk of developing this condition and implement interventions to prevent it.
NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition
The NANDA nursing diagnosis of “Risk of Disuse Syndrome” is defined as “an increased susceptibility to developing physical and functional deterioration secondary to limited mobility and inactivity.”
Defining Characteristics
The defining characteristics of this diagnosis include both subjectives and objectives:
- Subjectives: The individual reports decreased mobility and activity level, and expresses concern about the potential negative effects on their health.
- Objectives: The individual demonstrates decreased muscle mass and strength, decreased cardiovascular and respiratory function, and an increased risk of infections and pressure ulcers.
Related Factors
There are several factors that can contribute to an increased risk of developing disuse syndrome, including:
- Prolonged bed rest or immobilization
- Chronic health conditions that limit mobility, such as arthritis or stroke
- Injuries or surgeries that affect mobility
- Age-related changes that affect mobility and physical function
- Medications that cause drowsiness or sedation, which can limit mobility and activity level
- Environmental barriers, such as a lack of accessible transportation or safe spaces for physical activity
Risk Population
Individuals who are most at risk for developing disuse syndrome include:
- Individuals who are bedridden or immobile for prolonged periods of time
- Individuals with chronic health conditions that affect mobility, such as arthritis, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease
- Individuals who have recently undergone surgeries or procedures that affect mobility
- Older adults, who are more likely to experience age-related changes that affect mobility and physical function
- Individuals in a care setting, such as a hospital or nursing home, where they may be more likely to be exposed to environmental hazards that can contribute to disuse syndrome
Associated Problems
Disuse syndrome can lead to a number of serious problems, including:
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Decreased cardiovascular and respiratory function
- Increased risk of infections, such as pneumonia
- Increased risk of pressure ulcers
- Decreased overall health and quality of life
Suggestions for Use
The NANDA nursing diagnosis of “Risk of Disuse Syndrome” should be used when assessing individuals who are at risk of developing this condition due to limited mobility and inactivity. It should be used in conjunction with other nursing diagnoses to create a comprehensive care plan that addresses all of the individual’s needs.
Suggested alternative NANDA diagnosis list
- Impaired Physical Mobility
- Impaired Bed Mobility
- Impaired Transfer Ability
- Risk for Infection
- Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
Usage tips
- It is important to keep in mind that disuse syndrome can develop quickly in individuals who are bedridden or immobile for prolonged periods of time, so early identification and intervention is crucial.
- Be sure to consider any environmental barriers that may be contributing to the individual’s limited mobility and inactivity, such as a lack of accessible transportation or safe spaces for physical activity.
- Include family members or caregivers in the care plan, as they can provide support and assistance with mobility and activities of daily living.
- Be aware of any medications that the individual is taking that may cause drowsiness or sedation, as these can contribute to limited mobility and inactivity.
List of NOC Results with Explanation
- Mobility: This outcome measures the patient’s ability to move around and perform activities of daily living, and the effectiveness of interventions to improve mobility and prevent disuse syndrome.
- Physical Function: This outcome measures the patient’s overall physical function and ability to perform activities of daily living, and the effectiveness of interventions to improve physical function and prevent disuse syndrome.
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function: This outcome measures the patient’s cardiovascular and respiratory function, and the effectiveness of interventions to improve these functions and prevent disuse syndrome.
- Infection Control: This outcome measures the patient’s risk of infection, including the risk of disuse syndrome-related infections, and the effectiveness of interventions to reduce the risk of infection.
- Skin Integrity: This outcome measures the patient’s risk of pressure ulcers, and the effectiveness of interventions to improve skin integrity and prevent disuse syndrome.
List of NIC Interventions with Explanation
- Mobility Promotion: This intervention involves promoting the patient’s mobility and physical activity to prevent disuse syndrome.
- Physical Therapy: This intervention involves providing physical therapy to improve the patient’s physical function and prevent disuse syndrome.
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Therapy: This intervention involves providing therapy to improve the patient’s cardiovascular and respiratory function and prevent disuse syndrome.
- Infection Control: This intervention involves implementing measures to reduce the patient’s risk of infection, including the risk of disuse syndrome-related infections.
- Pressure Ulcer Prevention: This intervention involves implementing measures to prevent pressure ulcers and improve skin integrity to prevent disuse syndrome.
Conclusion
The NANDA nursing diagnosis of “Risk of Disuse Syndrome” is an important tool for identifying individuals who are at risk of developing this condition and implementing interventions to prevent it. By recognizing the risk factors, associated problems, and interventions related to disuse syndrome, nurses can play a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of their patients.