Nursing diagnoses identified in inpatients of an adult intensive care unit

Abstract

This descriptive study was performed to identify the nursing diagnoses in the records of the inpatients of an adult intensive care unit, and map the most frequent diagnosis according to the Fundamental Human Needs. The sample consisted of 44 patient records. A total of 1,087 nursing diagnoses were identified. After excluding the repetitions, 28 different diagnoses were identified. Twenty-five diagnoses were related to psychobiological needs, and three to psychosocial needs. Further studies should identify, among the formulated nursing diagnoses and the affected human needs, which problems were solved and for what needs the care is predominantly developed. The present study results are important for the organization of teaching content for students and nurses, preparing them to consider human beings as a whole when providing care, considering their biological, emotional, and spiritual aspects.