Prevent unnecessary fatigue; for example, avoid scheduling two energy-draining procedures on the same day. Using energy-conserving techniques avoids overexertion and potential for exhaustion.- Conserve energy through rest, planning, and setting priorities to prevent or alleviate fatigue.
Alternate activities with periods of rest. Encourage activities that can be completed in short periods or divided into several segments; for example, read one chapter of a book at a time. Scheduling regular rest periods helps decrease fatigue and increase stamina. - Discuss effect of fatigue on daily living and personal goals. Explore with patient relationship between fatigue and disease process to help increase patient compliance with schedule for activity and rest.
- Reduce demands placed on patient; for example, ask one family member to call at specified times and relay messages to friends and other family members to reduce physical and emotional stress.
- Structure patient's environment; for example, set up daily schedule based on patient's needs and desires. This encourages compliance with treatment regimen.
- Encourage patient to eat foods rich in iron and minerals, unless contraindicated. This helps avoid anemia and demineralization.
- Postpone eating when patient is fatigued to avoid aggravating condition.
- Provide small, frequent feedings to conserve patient's energy and encourage increased dietary intake.
- Establish a regular sleeping pattern. Getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep nightly helps reduce fatigue.
- Encourage avoidance of highly emotional situations to minimize their impact on fatigue.
- Encourage patient to explore feelings and emotions with a supportive counselor, clergy member, or other professional to help cope with illness.
Suggested NIC Interventions
Activity Therapy; Coping Enhancement; Energy Management; Exercise Promotion; Nutrition Management; Mood Management; Mutual Goal Setting; Sleep Enhancement |