Knowledge Deficit | Nursing Care Plan for Pneumothorax

Nursing diagnois: Knowledge deficit related to lack of exposure to information

Possibly evidenced by

Expressions of concern, request for information

Recurrence of problem

Desired Outcomes/Evaluation Criteria—Client Will

Knowledge: Disease Process

Verbalize understanding of cause of problem (when known).

Identify signs or symptoms requiring medical follow-up.

Knowledge: Treatment Regimen

Follow therapeutic regimen and demonstrate lifestyle changes, if necessary, to prevent recurrence.

Nursing intervention with rationale:

1. Review pathology of individual problem.

Rationale: Information reduces fear of unknown. Provides knowledge base for understanding underlying dynamics of condition and significance of therapeutic interventions.

2. Identify likelihood for recurrence or long-term complications.

Rationale: Certain underlying lung diseases, such as severe COPD and malignancies, may increase incidence of recurrence. In otherwise healthy clients who suffered a spontaneous pneumothorax, incidence of recurrence is 10% to 50%. Those who have a second spontaneous episode are at high risk for a third incident (60%).

3. Review signs and symptoms requiring immediate medical evaluation, for example, sudden chest pain, dyspnea, air hunger, and progressive respiratory distress.

Rationale: Recurrence of pneumothorax and hemothorax requires medical intervention to prevent and reduce potential complications.

4. Review significance of good health practices, such as adequate nutrition, rest, and exercise.

Rationale: Maintenance of general well-being promotes healing and may prevent or limit recurrences.

5. Emphasize need for smoking cessation when indicated.

Rationale: Prevents recurrence of pneumothorax or respiratory complications, such as fibrotic changes.