Anxiety

Domain 9. Coping-stress tolerance
Class 2. Coping responses
Diagnostic Code: 00146
Nanda label: Anxiety
Diagnostic focus: Anxiety

Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis Anxiety

Nursing diagnosis Anxiety is an important strategy used in the healthcare setting. It helps nurses to identify and assess a patient’s individual needs, so as to develop a treatment plan that caters for those needs, and to prevent further problems or exacerbations. This appropriately reflects the dynamic nature of the patient-nurse relationship, as it takes into account both the patient’s physiological, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, and environmental circumstances. Anxiety is a common problem that affects many people from all ages and backgrounds, and can have both physical and psychological effects. The nursing diagnosis Anxiety is essential for nurses to be able to provide adequate care to their patients seeking assistance for this condition.

NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition

NANDA nursing diagnosis Anxiety is a state in which an individual exhibits fear, distress, or uneasiness related to an actual or perceived threat, or stressor. It is manifested as marked changes in behaviour, such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or agitation. It can also be accompanied by physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and muscle tension.

Defining Characteristics

Subjective Characteristics

• Feelings of apprehension and dread
• Feeling of extreme worry and panic
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling of weakened self-control

Objective Characteristics

• A nervousness that affects behaviour
• Agitation and restlessness
• Hyperactivity
• Lack of concentration
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Physical shaking
• Crying

Related Factors

There are several factors that may contribute to Nursing Diagnosis Anxiety. Some of these are:

• Biological factors: These may include underlying mental health conditions, genetic predisposition, and hormonal imbalances.
• Psychological Factors: Trauma, phobias, anxiety, stress, depression and other mental health disorders may lead to Anxiety.
• Environmental Factors: Situations and events such as disasters, job loss, financial troubles, violence, or family conflict.
• Sociocultural Factors: Negative beliefs about oneself, pressure from peers/family, negative messages about one’s self-worth, or living in a poor socioeconomic environment.

At Risk Population

At risk populations who may be particularly susceptible to developing Anxiety include

• Young adults aged 18-24
• Women
• Individuals with a history of trauma, neglect or abuse
• Individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Associated Conditions

Anxiety may lead to or be associated with certain conditions such as:

• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Behavioural health problems.

Suggestions of Use

Nursing diagnosis Anxiety should be used in a patient-centered approach to assess the impact of Anxiety on the patient’s quality of life, the presence of any co-morbid conditions, the level of support available, and any potential psychosocial and stressors. The purpose of using this diagnosis is to guide the nurse in creating a culturally appropriate plan of care that supports the patient’s mental health needs.

Suggested Alternative NANDA Nursing Diagnosis

Alternative NANDA nursing diagnoses to consider when assessing Anxiety include:

• Fear
• Social Isolation
• Decisional Conflict
• Powerlessness
• Disturbed Sleep Pattern

Usage Tips

When utilizing Nursing Diagnosis Anxiety, it is important to consider the patient’s current physical, emotional, and psychosocial states and develop a plan of care that addresses their needs. It is also important to consider the patient’s environment and assess potential stressors and resources.

NOC Outcomes

NOC Outcomes related to Nursing Diagnosis Anxiety include:

• Anxiety Self Control: The ability to manage one’s own anxiety level.
• Coping: Ability to access resources and use techniques for managing health-related stressors.
• Life Satisfaction: Ability to meet daily needs, supportive relationships, self-esteem and positive feelings towards life.
• Self-care: Ability to maintain personal hygiene, nutrition, and exercise.
• Social Interaction: Ability to interact with others.
• Stress Tolerance: Ability to cope with difficult situations.

Evaluation Objectives and Criteria

The objectives of evaluating Anxiety include determining:

• The severity of the patient’s Anxiety symptoms and how they are impacting their lives.
• The presence or absence of co-morbidities.
• The degree to which the Anxiety has interfered with the patient’s functioning.
• The availability of support systems.
• Any potential stressors that may be present in the patient’s life.
• The effectiveness of current treatment plans.

NIC Interventions

NIC Interventions associated with Nursing Diagnosis Anxiety include:

• Anxiety Reduction: Non-pharmacological interventions to reduce the symptoms of Anxiety in the patient.
• Client Education: Providing information about Anxiety and its symptoms and management strategies.
• Emotional Support: Offering verbal and nonverbal support to encourage the patient to communicate their feelings.
• Health Maintenance: Encouraging lifestyle activities to promote health and well-being.
• Psychotherapy: Utilizing therapeutic techniques and strategies to reduce the symptoms of Anxiety.
• Relaxation Training: Teaching the patient techniques or strategies to relax or reduce tension.
• Socialization Skills: Teaching the patient strategies to increase interaction in social situations.

Nursing Activities

Nursing activities applicable to the diagnosis of Anxiety include:

• Observing the patient for signs of anxiety and distress.
• Assessment of the patient’s preferences and expectations for care.
• Educating the patient about Anxiety and its symptoms and management.
• Facilitating the patient’s access to needed resources or services.
• Providing practical advice and support for relaxation and stress management.
• Supporting the patient in developing coping skills and self-regulation strategies.

Conclusion

Nursing diagnosis Anxiety is an important tool that helps nurses to assess and manage the condition in their patients. It is important that nurses utilize a patient-centered approach to ensure that the necessary care is provided to the patient in a timely and sensitive manner. The nurse should assess the severity of the Anxiety, any potential co-morbidities, and assess the patient’s environment to better understand their needs and develop a plan of care that meets those needs.

5 FAQs

1. What is Nursing Diagnosis Anxiety?

Ans: Nursing diagnosis Anxiety is a state in which an individual exhibits fear, distress, or uneasiness related to an actual or perceived threat, or stressor. It is manifested as marked changes in behaviour, such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or agitation and may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and muscle tension.

2. What are the defining characteristics of Nursing Diagnosis Anxiety?

Ans: The defining characteristics of Anxiety include subjective characteristics such as feelings of apprehension and dread, extreme worry and panic, difficulty sleeping and feeling of weakened self-control, and objective characteristics such as nervousness affecting behaviour, agitation, hyperactivity, lack of concentration, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, physical shaking and crying.

3. What are the related factors of Nursing Diagnosis Anxiety?

Ans: The related factors of Anxiety may include biological factors such as underlying mental health conditions, genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalances; psychological factors such as trauma, phobias, anxiety, stress, and depression; environmental factors such as disasters, violence and family conflict; and sociocultural factors such as negative beliefs about oneself, pressure from peers and family, and living in a poor socioeconomic environment.

4. Who are at risk of developing Nursing Diagnosis Anxiety?

Ans: At risk populations who may be particularly susceptible to developing Anxiety include young adults aged 18-24, women, individuals with a history of trauma, neglect or abuse, and individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

5. How can Nursing Diagnosis Anxiety be evaluated?

Ans: The objectives of evaluating Anxiety include determining the severity of the patient’s Anxiety symptoms and how they are impacting their lives, the presence or absence of co-morbidities, the degree to which the Anxiety has interfered with the patient’s functioning, the availability of support systems, any potential stressors that may be present in the patient’s life, and the effectiveness of current treatment plans.