Domain 1.Health promotion
Class 2. Health management
Diagnostic Code: 00257
Nanda label: Frail elderly syndrome
Diagnostic focus: Frail elderly syndrome
Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis: Frail Elderly Syndrome
As a nurse, it is essential to be aware of common nursing diagnoses that you may encounter while providing patient care. Frail Elderly Syndrome is one such nursing diagnosis that is fairly common among elderly patients. Knowing the criteria for making a primary nursing diagnosis of Frail Elderly Syndrome is helpful in providing proper nursing intervention strategies.
NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition
NANDA (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association) defines Frail Elderly Syndrome as “the vulnerability of elderly persons due to intrinsic or extrinsic factors leading to increased susceptibility to illness and mortality”.
Defining Characteristics
When assessing for Frail Elderly Syndrome, there are several defining characteristics to look for. Subjective signs include decreased appetite, poor endurance/energy, dizziness, difficulty with simple tasks and/or activities, frequent falls, decreased mobility, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. Objective signs may include decreased physical strength, age-associated medical conditions, presence of chronic gender-specific diseases, and/or cognitive impairment.
There are several factors that may contribute to a patient’s level of frailty. Poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, medication side effects, chronic health conditions, psychological stress, social isolation, physical disabilities, and environment hazards can all be contributing factors to a patient’s overall level of frailty.
At Risk Population
Patients who are 65 years and older are usually considered to be at a higher risk for developing Frail Elderly Syndrome. Other at-risk populations include those living with chronic illnesses or disabilities, those who have recently had surgery, those who are low-income or homebound, and those who are socially isolated.
Associated Conditions
Common associated conditions with Frail Elderly Syndrome include falls, injuries, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, depression, anemia, diabetes, and kidney disease. These conditions can further add to the patient’s level of frailty and could lead to more severe conditions if not treated properly.
Suggestions of Utilization
By identifying Frail Elderly Syndrome, nurses can provide appropriate interventions to improve the patient's overall health and quality of life. Interventions could include fall prevention strategies, guidance with proper nutrition and exercise, medications to help manage chronic health conditions, or additional interventions to help cope with depression or stress.
Suggested Alternative NANDA Nursing Diagnosis
Other NANDA nursing diagnoses that can be used to assess patients for Frail Elderly Syndrome include Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements, Activity Intolerance, Ineffective Coping, Self-Care Deficit, Risk for Injury, and Risk for Falls.
Usage Tips
Frail Elderly Syndrome is typically evaluated through physical assessments, laboratory studies, and self-report questionnaires. While a physical assessment may show a decline in physical strength or capacity, laboratory studies can reveal if underlying disease processes exist which can affect the patient’s overall health status. To properly assess the impact of Frail Elderly Syndrome on the patient, nurses must use multiple assessment methods.
NOC Outcomes
The NOC (Nursing Outcome Classification) Outcomes associated with Frail Elderly Syndrome include Health Status/Well-Being, Disease/Disability Managed, Fall Prevention, Cognition, Mobility, Nutrition, Self-Care Requirement, Safety, and Comfort. To achieve positive outcomes, nurses must design and implement individualized care plans for patients with Frail Elderly Syndrome.
Evaluation Objectives and Criteria
When evaluating Frail Elderly Syndrome, nurses should watch for signs of improvement or decline in the patient’s overall health status. Nurses should also observe whether interventions are helping to improve the patient’s physical and mental condition, as well as their safety, comfort, and quality of life.
NIC Interventions
NIC (Nursing Interventions Classification) Interventions related to Frail Elderly Syndrome can include Patient Teaching, Fall Prevention, Home Safety Teaching, Assistive Device Program, Meal Planning Support, Mobility Assistance, Counseling, and Stress Reduction Techniques.
Nursing Activities
When treating a patient with Frail Elderly Syndrome, nurses should strive to create individualized plans of care that focus on each patient's physical, mental, and emotional needs. Nurses should also educate the patient and family members on proper nutrition, exercise regimens, fall prevention strategies, and comfort measures that they can implement in the home setting.
Conclusion
Frail Elderly Syndrome is a common nursing diagnosis that affects elderly individuals. It is important for nurses to recognize the criteria for making this diagnosis, as well as the associated conditions and risks. With proper interventions, nurses can help improve the patient’s overall health status, safety, comfort, and quality of life.
5 FAQs
Q1: What is Frail Elderly Syndrome?
A1: Frail Elderly Syndrome is defined as the vulnerability of elderly persons due to intrinsic or extrinsic factors leading to increased susceptibility to illness and mortality.
Q2: Who is at risk for Frail Elderly Syndrome?
A2: Patients who are 65 years and older are typically at greater risk, as well as patients living with chronic illnesses or disabilities, those who have recently had surgery, those who are low-income or homebound, and those who are socially isolated.
Q3: What are some common associated conditions with Frail Elderly Syndrome?
A3: Common associated conditions include falls, injuries, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, depression, anemia, diabetes, and kidney disease.
Q4: What type of interventions are typically used for patients with Frail Elderly Syndrome?
A4: Interventions used to treat Frail Elderly Syndrome can include fall prevention strategies, guidance with proper nutrition and exercise, medications to help manage chronic health conditions, or additional interventions to help cope with depression or stress.
Q5: How can nurses evaluate Frail Elderly Syndrome?
A5: To properly evaluate the level of frailty, nurses must use physical assessments, laboratory studies, and self-report questionnaires. By monitoring for signs of improvement or decline in the patient’s overall health status, nurses can determine the most effective treatments.
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