Ineffective relationship

Domain 7. Role relationship
Class 3. Role performance
Diagnostic Code: 00223
Nanda label: Ineffective relationship
Diagnostic focus: Relationship

Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship

It is important for healthcare professionals to recognize and appropriately assess a patient’s relationship in order to plan adequate care. Nursing diagnosis ineffective relationship seeks to identify alterations in the ability of an individual to participate in relationships. An alteration in a patient’s ability to participate in a relationship could be due to various factors, such as physiological, psychological or social stresses, which can be very stressful and even life-threatening. This article will help health professionals understand how to identify, diagnose and treat an ineffective relationship.

NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition

NANDA International (Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions & Classification 2018-2020) defines Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship as the “alteration in the ability of the individual to express feelings, needs and concerns to other individuals, which may lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression”.

Defining Characteristics (subjectives and objectives)

Subjective characteristics associated with Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship are feelings of rejection, embarrassment, anxiety, worry and guilt when interacting with others. Objective characteristics of this diagnosis include a lack of expression of feelings, avoidance of contact with significant others, timidity and refusal of mental and physical contact.

Related Factors

Several factors may contribute to Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship including, but not limited to, cognitive impairment, abnormal thought processes, decreased self-esteem, prior negative experiences, communication difficulties and inadequate coping skills. Poor medication management, poor nutrition, alcohol and substance abuse, as well as mental and physical illness may also lead to a decrease in an individual’s ability to participate in a relationship.

At Risk Population

This Nursing Diagnosis may be found in individuals from all age groups, but is most common among adolescents and the elderly. Adolescents who have difficulty making and maintaining connections with peers or adults may struggle with low self-esteem and academic performance. Elderly patients may experience an increased level of isolation due to retirement, loss of spouse and mobility impairment.

Associated Conditions

Conditions associated with Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship may include physical illness, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, eating disorders and obesity. Anxiety, fear, poor problem solving and poor anger management techniques can also be linked to an individual’s inability to build meaningful connections.

Suggestions of Use

Healthcare professionals should use Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship to identify patterns and understand appropriate interventions for individuals struggling to participate in relationships because of their medical condition or environment. It is important to assess a patient's psychosocial history in conjunction with physical examination, lab and diagnostic test results, in order to form a comprehensive care plan and deliver optimal outcomes.

Suggested Alternative NANDA Nursing Diagnosis

Alternative NANDA Nursing Diagnoses that may be related to Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship include Social Isolation, Self-Esteem Disturbance, Anxiety, Fear, Ineffective Health Maintenance and Uncertainty.

Usage Tips

When using Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship, healthcare professionals should consider gather data on the patient's thoughts, feelings and behavior when interacting with others. It is also important to consider interference caused by socioeconomic and cultural influences, as well as differences in lifestyle and communication styles.

NOC Outcomes

Potential NOC outcomes that may be related to Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship include Social Effectiveness, Social Interaction, Interpersonal Bonding, Stress Tolerance and Communication.

Evaluation Objectives and Criteria

Evaluation objectives and criteria suitable for this diagnosis include adequately interacting with others, understanding others views and feelings, developing a sense of trust, emotion regulation and self-care abilities.

NIC Interventions

NIC Interventions appropriate for this diagnosis include Socialization Facilitation, Validation Therapy, Caregiver Education, Pain Management, Psychotherapy, Activity Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

Nursing Activities

Nursing activities for individuals diagnosed with Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship may include taking vital signs, providing teaching strategies and resources, creating supportive and nurturing environment, providing emotional support, helping the individual find appropriate and meaningful communication strategies, providing guidance on problem solving and giving healthy and meaningful activities.

Conclusion

Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship is a very important, yet often overlooked, ailment. Healthcare professionals need to be aware that, while physical health assessment is important, it is equally important to assess an individual’s relational functioning. By gathering data on the patient’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors when interacting with others, healthcare professionals can better create a treatment plan and facilitate healing for the patient.

5 FAQs

1. What is Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship? Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship is defined as the “alteration in the ability of the individual to express feelings, needs and concerns to other individuals, which may lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression”.
2. Who is at risk for Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship? Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship may affect individuals from all age groups, although adolescents and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.
3. What factors contribute to Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship? Possible factors include cognitive impairment, abnormal thought processes, decreased self-esteem, prior negative experiences, communication difficulties, inadequate coping skills and certain physical illnesses.
4. What can healthcare professionals do to help? Healthcare professionals can gather data on the patient's thoughts, feelings and behavior when interacting with others and provide teaching strategies, emotional support, guidance on problem solving, and meaningful activities.
5. What are potential NOC outcomes associated with Nursing Diagnosis Ineffective Relationship? NOC outcomes associated with this diagnosis may include Social Effectiveness, Social Interaction, Interpersonal Bonding, Stress Tolerance and Communication.

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