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Tools

ACDEFHILMOPRSVW


Following is a list of client behaviors and the NANDA nursing diagnoses that correspond to the behaviors and that may be used in planning care for the client exhibiting the specific behavioral symptoms.

BehaviorsNANDA Nursing Diagnoses
Aggression; hostility Risk for injury; Risk for other-directed violence
Anorexia or refusal to eatImbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
Anxious behaviorAnxiety (specify level)
Confusion; memory loss Confusion, acute/chronic; Disturbed thought processes
Delusions Disturbed thought processes
Denial of problemsIneffective denial
Depressed mood or anger turned inwardDysfunctional grieving
Detoxification; withdrawal from substancesRisk for injury
Difficulty making important life decisionDecisional conflict (specify)
Difficulty with interpersonal relationshipsImpaired social interaction
Disruption in capability to perform usual responsibilitiesIneffective role performance
Dissociative behaviors (depersonalization; derealization)Disturbed sensory perception (kinesthetic)
Expresses feelings of disgust about body or body part Disturbed body image
Expresses lack of control over personal situationPowerlessness
Flashbacks, nightmares, obsession with traumatic experience Posttrauma syndrome
Hallucinations Disturbed sensory perception (auditory; visual)
Highly critical of self or othersLow self-esteem (chronic; situational)
HIV-positive; altered immunityIneffective protection
Inability to meet basic needs Self-care deficit (feeding; bathing/hygiene; dressing/grooming; toileting)
Insomnia or hypersomniaDisturbed sleep pattern
Loose associations or flight of ideas Impaired verbal communication
Manic hyperactivity Risk for injury
Manipulative behaviorIneffective coping
Multiple personalities; gender identity disturbanceDisturbed personal identity
Orgasm, problems with; lack of sexual desire Sexual dysfunction
Overeating, compulsiveRisk for imbalanced nutrition: More than body requirements
Phobias Fear
Physical symptoms as coping behaviorIneffective coping
Projection of blame; rationalization of failures; denial of personal responsibilityDefensive coping
Ritualistic behaviors Anxiety (severe); Ineffective coping
Seductive remarks; inappropriate sexual behaviors Impaired social interaction
Self-mutilative behaviorsSelf-mutilation; Risk for self-mutilation
Sexual behaviors (difficulty, limitations, or changes in; reported dissatisfaction)Ineffective sexuality patterns
Stress from caring for chronically ill personCaregiver role strain
Stress from locating to new environmentRelocation stress syndrome
Substance use as a coping behaviorIneffective coping
Substance use (denies use is a problem)Ineffective denial
SuicidalRisk for suicide; Risk for self-directed violence
SuspiciousnessDisturbed thought processes; Ineffective coping
Vomiting, excessive, self-induced Risk for deficient fluid volume
Withdrawn behavior Social isolation

Used with permission from Morgan K & Townsend MC, 8th ed. 2019.