Domain 12. Comfort
Class 1. Physical comfort
Diagnostic Code: 00183
Nanda label: Readiness for enhanced comfort
Diagnostic focus: Comfort
Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Comfort
Providing comfort for patients is a key component of effective nursing care. Nurses play a vital role in promoting physical and emotional comfort for their patients. This can be all the more important for those who are hospitalized or in other acute care settings, where there can be a sense of vulnerability and helplessness. Nursing diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Comfort is an assessment tool that allows nurses to assess a patient’s readiness to receive comfort measures.
NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition
Nursing diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Comfort is defined by NANDA International as: “A state in which an individual expresses willingness and/or acceptance of comfort measures to reduce or manage stress.” The primary factors that affect the diagnosability of this condition include physiological condition (e.g. pain, changes in temperature, circulation, movement), psychological condition (e.g. fear, depression, anxiousness), cultural background and social conditions (e.g. support networks, spirituality, beliefs).
Defining Characteristics
Subjective characteristics of this diagnosis typically include expressions of desires for comfort (e.g. requests to make comfortable, specifying how long and what kind of comfort measure is desired); expressions of preferences such as what type of activity is preferred; asking questions about comfort options to seek understanding; expressing satisfaction or a desire for change with respect to comfort options currently being implemented.
Objective characteristics of this diagnosis include the physical environment (e.g. temperature, noise level, lighting); use of behaviors to express needs for comfort (e.g. restlessness, agitation, verbal requests); muscle tension/relaxation if able to be monitored; changes in facial expression or nonverbal communication that suggest a need for comfort; use of cognitive strategies such as imaginative thought or visualizations; demonstration of relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or imagery.
Suggestions of Use
As a nurse, one should consider the psychosocial and environmental factors that may be affecting a patient's level of comfort when assessing for Nursing diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Comfort. It is helpful to ensure that comfort measures are tailored to each individual, as reactions can vary greatly depending on patient age, gender, cultural background, and personal preferences. Additionally, engaging in interventions with a team approach can be beneficial for supporting comfort measures.
Suggested Alternative NANDA Nursing Diagnosis
In some cases, a patient’s readiness for enhanced comfort may be hampered by conditions such as chronic pain, activity intolerance, risk for disuse syndrome, or disturbed sleep pattern. In these cases, it may be useful to supplement the diagnosis of Readiness for Enhanced Comfort with one of these alternative NANDA nursing diagnoses.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined by NANDA International as “experienced as persistent (or recurrent) pain of at least six months duration.” This diagnosis is used to assess a patient’s difficulty in enduring comfortable activities and managing sleep patterns due to persistent pain.
Activity Intolerance
Activity intolerance is defined by NANDA International as “an insufficient physiological or psychological energy to endure or complete required or desired daily activities.” This diagnosis is used to assess the inability of an individual to engage in desired activities due to a lack of energy or fatigue.
Risk for Disuse Syndrome
Risk for disuse syndrome is defined by NANDA International as “tendency toward weakened body parts and associated functions due to decreases in use.” This diagnosis is used to identify individuals at risk for developing secondary impairments due to lack of use.
Disturbed Sleep Pattern
Disturbed sleep pattern is defined by NANDA International as “any alteration from typical sleep habits.” This diagnosis is used to assess difficulty in sleeping that has occurred due to alterations in lifestyle, environment, medications, or sleep habits.
Usage Tips
When assessing for Readiness for Enhanced Comfort it is important to remember to also assess the patient’s understanding of the comfort measures that are being suggested. Additionally, it is important to note any potential physical or psychological barriers that may be present such as pain, fatigue, feelings of helplessness, or lack of trust. Lastly, when identifying desired comfort measures, it is important to recognize patient autonomy and allow them to provide input into the type of comfort measures that they find most beneficial.
NOC Outcomes
The following are examples of NOC outcomes related to Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Comfort:
- Pain Intensity – Measures an individual’s perception of pain intensity on a scale of 0-10.
- Ability to Express Comfort Needs – Measures the ability of an individual to express and indicate their own unique comfort needs.
- Coping – Measures an individual’s effectiveness in managing their own responses in uncomfortable physical and emotional experiences.
- Energy Conservation – Measures an individual’s ability to limit or adjust physical activity in order to conserve energy.
- Sensory Perception – Measures an individual’s ability to perceive subtle difference in stimulation in order to determine what type of comfort is desired (brightness, quiet, soft).
- Comfort Level – Measures an individual’s perceived level of comfort in a physical space or setting.
Evaluation Objectives and Criteria
Evaluations for Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Comfort should include the collection of both subjective and objective data. Differences in patient characteristics, physical and emotional states, and environmental influences should be taken into account when assessing the effectiveness of comfort measures. Evaluations should also include measurements of progress against previously stated objectives, including improved comfort levels as well as increased effectiveness in responding to discomfort.
NIC Interventions
The following are examples of NIC interventions related to Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Comfort:
- Repositioning – For patients who need to remain in bed due to illness or injury, changing positions helps reduce discomforts such as muscle tension, circulation issues, and edema.
- Relaxation Techniques – Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and guided imagery can help reduce anxiousness and tension to promote a state of greater comfort.
- Environmental Modification – Environmental modifications that can aid in comfort can include adjustments to temperature, lighting, and noise levels.
- Distraction Techniques – Specific distraction techniques can help distract the mind from negative thoughts or physical discomforts and provide relief from psychological and physical discomfort. Examples of such techniques include watching a movie, listening to music, participating in an activity, or engaging in dialogue.
- Pain Management – For patients experiencing discomfort due to pain, pain management interventions such as medication, cold/hot packs, massage, and relaxation techniques can be used for comfort.
- Compassionate Care – When providing care, nurses should use compassion in their interactions with patients to develop a sense of trust and acceptance, which can improve comfort levels.
Nursing Activities
When performing a nursing diagnosis assessment of Readiness for Enhanced Comfort, nurses should be prepared to collect information regarding the patient’s physical, emotional, and environmental status. During this time, it is important to be mindful of the patient’s perceptions and preferences around comfort measures. Furthermore, nurses should have a plan for assessing the effectiveness of comfort measures and making changes as needed.
Conclusion
Nursing diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Comfort is an assessment tool which is used to measure a patient’s willingness and/or acceptance of comfort measures. It is important for nurses to assess psychosocial and environmental factors when assessing for this diagnosis as well as provide tailored comfort measures to each individual based on their preferences and abilities. Additionally, interventions such as repositioning, relaxation techniques, environmental modification, distraction techniques, pain management, and compassionate care can be used to facilitate comfort in patients.
FAQs
What is the NANDA definition of Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Comfort?
Nursing diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Comfort is defined by NANDA International as: “A state in which an individual expresses willingness and/or acceptance of comfort measures to reduce or manage stress.”
What are the Defining Characteristics for Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Comfort?
The Defining Characteristics for this diagnosis include subjective characteristics such as expressions of desires for comfort and preferences, and objective characteristics such as the physical environment, behaviors to express needs, muscle tension/relaxation, facial expressions, and cognitive strategies.
What should I consider when assessing for Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Comfort?
When assessing for Readiness for Enhanced Comfort it is important to consider the psychosocial and environmental factors that may be affecting comfort levels as well as the patient’s understanding of the comfort measures being suggested.
What are some interventions that can be used to facilitate comfort in patients?
Interventions that can be used to facilitate comfort in patients include repositioning, relaxation techniques, environmental modification, distraction techniques, pain management, and compassionate care.
What are some examples of NOC outcomes related to Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Comfort?
Examples of NOC outcomes related to this diagnosis include pain intensity, ability to express comfort needs, coping, energy conservation, sensory perception, and comfort level.
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