Domain 11. Safety-protection
Class 2. Physical injury
Diagnostic Code: 00277
Nanda label: Ineffective dry eye self-management
Diagnostic focus: Dry eye selfmanagement
Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis: Ineffective Dry Eye Self-Management
Dry eye is a medical condition that occurs when the body is unable to produce enough tears to lubricate and protect the eyes. It can cause symptoms such as redness, burning sensations, blurry vision, and even inflammation of the eye. Dry eye is only becoming more common due to the extended use of digital technology, frequent air travel, and indoor activities. For this reason, it is essential that patients learn to effectively self-manage their dry eye conditions.
NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition
The NANDA Nursing Diagnosis states that “Ineffective Dry Eye Self-Management” is a diagnosis related to “inability to independently practice effective strategies for symptom management”. This includes individuals who are unable to properly assess their individual dry eye needs and develop an appropriate plan for maintaining healthy levels of tear production.
Defining Characteristics
Subjective symptoms of ineffective dry eye self-management include a feeling of discomfort or stinging sensations in the eye, blurred vision, redness around the eyes, and a feeling of constant tiredness. Objective characteristics include decreased blinking frequency, excessive tearing, persistent irritation and redness, increased eye strain and fatigue, and a decreased sense of vision clarity.
Related Factors
There are several factors which can contribute to a person’s ability to effectively self-manage their dry eye condition. The first is age, as people over the age of 60 may have difficulty producing enough tears. In addition, chronic diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, and autoimmune disorders can affect tear production. Other contributing factors include not getting enough sleep, exposure to allergens, long-term antibiotic use, and certain medications like antihistamines, beta-blockers, and diuretics. Environmental factors, such as smoke and air pollution, as well as a lack of humidity can also play a role.
At Risk Population
This Nursing Diagnosis “Ineffective Dry Eye Self-Management” can affect anyone, though there are certain groups that may be at higher risk. People who wear contact lenses or use computers and tablets often may be more susceptible to experiencing dry eye symptoms. Women and those with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis are also at greater risk.
Associated Conditions
Those with a diagnosis of Ineffective Dry Eye Self-Management may experience other ocular and metabolic health issues. These can include the prevalence of blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, allergies, conjunctivitis, and decreased corneal health. Over time, complications can arise if these conditions are left untreated, such as decreased vision, corneal scarring and corneal abrasion.
Suggestions for Use
To help manage dry eye symptoms and prevent further complications, health care professionals suggest using lifestyle adjustments, such as increasing hydration, reducing environmental irritants, avoiding excessive stress, and wearing adequate sunglasses when outdoors. Additionally, the use of artificial tears, Omega-3 fish oils and warm compresses can be beneficial.
Suggested Alternative NANDA Nursing Diagnoses
Alternative NANDA Nursing Diagnoses for those struggling with ineffective dry eye self-management include Risk for Decreased Visual Acuity, Activity Intolerance, and Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity.
Usage Tips
When utilizing NANDA Nursing Diagnoses, patients should be encouraged to attend regular follow up visits with their optometrist or ophthalmologist to ensure effective symptom management. Health care professionals should emphasize the importance of basic preventive practices, such as drinking plenty of water, taking frequent breaks from the computer, and limiting exposure to environmental irritants.
NOC Outcomes
The NOC Outcomes associated with Ineffective Dry Eye Self-Management include: Vision Relief, Comfort Level, Risk Control and Prevention, Therapeutic Regimen Management, and Home Maintenance.
- Vision Relief: Ability to apply techniques aimed at improving/preventing symptomatic eye irritation.
- Comfort Level: Patient report of decreased eye irritation and greater comfort.
- Risk Control and Prevention: Effectiveness of preventive measures/therapies aimed at reducing risk.
- Therapeutic Regimen Management: Ability of patient to comprehend, implement and adhere to treatment regimen.
- Home Maintenance: Ability to maintain effective eye care habits in the home setting.
Evaluation Objectives and Criteria
When evaluating the results of Ineffective Dry Eye Self-Management, indicators to look for include improved comfort level, risk control, adherence to eye care habits, improved visual acuity, and decreased eye irritation.
NIC Interventions
The NIC Interventions associated with Ineffective Dry Eye Self-Management include: Vision Therapy, Comfort Enhancement, Eye Protection Measures, Teaching: Self-Care and Coping Skills, and Teaching: Home Treatment Procedures.
- Vision Therapy: Organization, implementation, and evaluation of interventions designed to enhance functional use of vision.
- Comfort Enhancement: Provision of appropriate comfort enhancing interventions while monitoring and responding to changes in comfort.
- Eye Protection Measures: Promotion of practices and behaviors that maintain eye tissues in optimal condition.
- Teaching: Self-Care and Coping Skills: Provision of instruction in self-care and coping skills for dry eye management.
- Teaching: Home Treatment Procedures: Provision of education on home treatment procedures for dry eye relief.
Nursing Activities
Nursing activities for those suffering from Ineffective Dry Eye Self-Management include proper assessment of existing symptoms, designing an individualized treatment plan, providing patient education and instruction in self-care activities, monitoring the patient’s progress, and communication with other health care providers.
Conclusion
The diagnosis of Ineffective Dry Eye Self-Management is a common medical condition that is becoming increasingly prevalent. Understanding the associated risk factors, defining characteristics, and NANDA nursing diagnosis is essential in addressing patient needs and preventing further complications. Fortunately, with proper intervention, a reasonable level of symptom improvement can be attained.
5 FAQs
- What is Ineffective Dry Eye Self-Management?
- Are there any risk factors associated with this diagnosis?
- What are some of the signs or symptoms associated with this condition?
- What interventions can be used to address effective symptom management?
- What type of evaluations can be used to measure a patient’s progress?
Ineffective Dry Eye Self-Management is a medical diagnosis which refers to an inability to independently practice effective strategies for managing dry eye symptoms.
Yes, some risk factors include age, chronic illnesses such as diabetes, medications, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits.
Subjective indicators include feelings of discomfort, soreness, and fatigue. Objective features include redness, decreased blinking, tearing, and decreased vision clarity.
Interventions include lifestyle modifications, such as increasing hydration and reducing stress. Additionally, artificial tears, Omega 3 fish oils, and warm compresses might be helpful as well.
Evaluation points should include improved comfort level, risk control, adherence to eye care habits, improved visual acuity, and decreased eye irritation.
{
“@context”: “http://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is Ineffective Dry Eye Self-Management?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Ineffective Dry Eye Self-Management is a medical diagnosis which refers to an inability to independently practice effective strategies for managing dry eye symptoms.”
}
}, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Are there any risk factors associated with this diagnosis?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes, some risk factors include age, chronic illnesses such as diabetes, medications, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits.”
}
}, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What are some of the signs or symptoms associated with this condition?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Subjective indicators include feelings of discomfort, soreness, and fatigue. Objective features include redness, decreased blinking, tearing, and decreased vision clarity.”
}
}, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What interventions can be used to address effective symptom management?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Interventions include lifestyle modifications, such as increasing hydration and reducing stress. Additionally, artificial tears, Omega 3 fish oils, and warm compresses might be helpful as well.”
}
}, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What type of evaluations can be used to measure a patient’s progress?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Evaluation points should include improved comfort level, risk control, adherence to eye care habits, improved visual acuity, and decreased eye irritation.”
}
}]
}