Suffocation is a serious concern in any healthcare setting, as it can have severe consequences for patients. In order to prevent suffocation, nurses must be able to identify patients at risk and implement interventions to reduce that risk. The NANDA nursing diagnosis of “Suffocation Risk” is used to identify patients who are at risk for suffocation and to guide nursing interventions to prevent it.
NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition
According to NANDA International, the official definition of “Suffocation Risk” is: “The potential for harm or injury related to an inability to breathe or inhale sufficient oxygen, as evidenced by factors such as compromised airway, respiratory distress, or decreased oxygen saturation.”
Defining Characteristics (Subjectives and Objectives)
- Compromised airway such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or stridor
- Respiratory distress such as tachypnea, use of accessory muscles, or cyanosis
- Decreased oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry
- History of respiratory problems or conditions
- Changes in level of consciousness or alertness
Related Factors
- Obstructive or restrictive lung disease
- Chest trauma or injury
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Medications that depress respiration
- Anatomical abnormalities of the airway
- Environmental factors such as smoke or pollution
- Surgery or procedure that affect the airway
Risk Population
Individuals who are at a higher risk for suffocation include:
- Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma
- Individuals who have had recent surgery or procedures affecting the airway
- Individuals with neurological conditions that affect respiration
- Individuals who smoke or are exposed to smoke or pollution
- Individuals with a history of chest trauma or injury
- Individuals taking medications that depress respiration
Associated Problems
- Hypoxemia
- Respiratory failure
- Brain damage or death
- Increased length of hospital stay
- Decreased functional ability
- Decreased quality of life
Suggestions for Use
- Assess the patient’s risk for suffocation by evaluating their respiratory status, medical history, and environmental factors.
- Implement interventions to maintain a patent airway and ensure proper oxygenation such as oxygen therapy, suctioning, and mechanical ventilation.
- Monitor the patient’s oxygen saturation and respiration rate, and adjust interventions as necessary.
- Educate the patient and their family about the risk of suffocation and how to prevent it.
- Regularly assess the patient’s medications and their potential impact on the risk of suffocation.
- Identify and address any environmental factors that may contribute to suffocation, such as smoke or pollution.
- In cases where the patient is experiencing a high risk of suffocation, referral to a respiratory therapist or pulmonologist may be necessary.
Suggested Alternative NANDA Diagnoses
- Ineffective Breathing Pattern
- Impaired Gas Exchange
- Impaired Spontaneous Ventilation
- Risk for Aspiration
- Risk for Decreased Cardiac Output related to Respiratory distress
Usage Tips
- This diagnosis should be used in conjunction with other diagnoses that may be contributing to the patient’s risk of suffocation, such as Ineffective Breathing Pattern or Impaired Gas Exchange.
- It is important to monitor the patient’s response to interventions and adjust as necessary.
- It is also important to consider the patient’s overall health history and any previous respiratory problems or conditions.
- In cases where the patient is experiencing a high risk of suffocation, referral to a respiratory therapist or pulmonologist may be necessary.
List of NOC Results with Explanation
- Respiratory Status: This outcome measures the effectiveness of interventions in maintaining a patent airway and ensuring proper oxygenation.
- Oxygenation: This outcome measures the patient’s oxygen saturation levels and the effectiveness of oxygen therapy.
- Breathing Pattern: This outcome measures the patient’s breathing pattern and the effectiveness of interventions to maintain a normal pattern.
- Airway Clearance: This outcome measures the patient’s ability to clear their airway and the effectiveness of suctioning or other airway clearance techniques.
- Comfort: This outcome measures the patient’s level of comfort and the effectiveness of interventions to reduce discomfort related to suffocation.
List of NIC Interventions with Explanation
- Oxygen Therapy: This intervention involves administering oxygen to the patient to maintain proper oxygenation levels.
- Airway Management: This intervention involves maintaining a patent airway through techniques such as suctioning, positioning, and mechanical ventilation.
- Respiratory Monitoring: This intervention involves monitoring the patient’s respiratory status, including their oxygen saturation levels and breathing pattern.
- Medication Management: This intervention involves monitoring and adjusting the patient’s medications to minimize their negative impact on the risk of suffocation.
- Respiratory Therapy: This intervention involves referring the patient to a respiratory therapist for specialized care and treatment to reduce the risk of suffocation.
- Environmental Control: This intervention involves identifying and addressing any environmental factors that may contribute to suffocation, such as smoke or pollution.
- Patient Education: This intervention involves educating the patient and their family about the risk of suffocation and how to prevent it.
- Assistive Devices: This intervention involves providing the patient with assistive devices such as oxygen tanks or mechanical ventilators to improve breathing and reduce the risk of suffocation.
- Physical Therapy: This intervention involves referring the patient to a physical therapist to improve their breathing, lung function, and overall respiratory health.
- Patient Monitoring: This intervention involves regularly monitoring the patient’s physical and cognitive status and adjusting interventions as necessary to reduce the risk of suffocation.
Conclusion
The NANDA nursing diagnosis of “Suffocation Risk” is crucial for identifying patients who are at risk for suffocation and implementing interventions to prevent it. By understanding the diagnosis and related factors, nurses can take appropriate action to promote safety and reduce the risk of suffocation in at-risk patients.