Nursing Diagnosis for Pneumonia | Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements

Nursing diagnosis: Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements

Risk factors may include

Increased metabolic needs secondary to fever and infectious process

Anorexia associated with bacterial toxins, the odor and taste of sputum, and certain aerosol treatments

Abdominal distention and gas associated with swallowing air during dyspneic episodes

Possibly evidenced by

(Not applicable; presence of signs and symptoms establishes an actual diagnosis)

Desired Outcomes/Evaluation Criteria—Client Will

Nutritional Status

Demonstrate increased appetite.

Maintain or regain desired body weight.

Nursing intervention with rationale:

1. Identify factors that are contributing to inability to eat, such as severe dyspnea, pain, nausea and vomiting, copious sputum, or respiratory treatments.

Rationale: Choice of interventions depends on the underlying cause of the problem.

2. Provide covered container for sputum and replace at frequent intervals. Assist with and encourage oral hygiene after emesis, after aerosol and postural drainage treatments, and before meals.

Rationale: Eliminates noxious sights, tastes, and smells from the client’s environment and can reduce nausea.

3. Schedule respiratory treatments at least 1 hour before meals.

Rationale: Reduces effects of nausea associated with these treatments.

4. Auscultate for bowel sounds. Observe and palpate for abdominal distention.

Rationale: Bowel sounds may be diminished or absent if the infectious process is severe or prolonged. Abdominal distention may occur because of air swallowing or reflect the influence of bacterial toxins on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

5. Provide small, frequent meals, including dry foods, such as toast or crackers, and foods that are appealing to client.

Rationale: These measures may enhance intake even though appetite may be slow to return.

6. Evaluate general nutritional state. Obtain baseline weight.

Rationale: Lifestyle, financial, and socioeconomic conditions prior to present illness condition can contribute to malnutrition. Client may present with hypermetabolic state and lowered

resistance to infection, which can exacerbate malnutrition and delay response to therapy.

7. Weigh regularly and graph results.

Rationale: Monitors effectiveness of nutritional therapy.

8. Assist in treatment of underlying condition(s).

Rationale: May promote healing and strengthen immune system, improve appetite, and enhance general well-being.

9. Consult dietitian and nutritional team.

Rationale: To develop dietary plan individualized to client’s specific needs and challenges.