Poisoning is a medical emergency that occurs when a toxic substance is ingested, inhaled, injected, or absorbed through the skin. The nursing diagnoses for poisoning may include:
- Risk for injury related to toxic exposure
- Altered health maintenance related to toxic exposure
- Altered protection related to toxic exposure
- Altered fluid and electrolyte balance related to toxic exposure
- Altered nutrition, less than body requirements related to toxic exposure
- Impaired gas exchange related to toxic exposure
- Altered comfort related to symptoms of toxic exposure
- Altered tissue perfusion related to toxic exposure
- Altered role performance related to toxic exposure
These nursing diagnoses help to identify the specific effects of poisoning and guide the development of a plan of care that promotes the patient's safety, health, and well-being. Treatment for poisoning may involve decontamination, administration of antidotes or other medications, and supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Close monitoring and frequent reassessment of the patient's condition is necessary to ensure prompt intervention if their condition deteriorates.
Additional information for each of the nursing diagnoses for poisoning:
- Risk for injury: This diagnosis refers to the potential for harm from the toxic exposure. The patient may be at risk for injury due to the toxic effects on their body and potential for adverse reactions to medications or treatments.
- Altered health maintenance: Poisoning can affect the patient's ability to maintain their health and well-being. They may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Proper management of these symptoms and other health problems is important to ensure the patient's recovery.
- Altered protection: The toxic exposure can weaken the patient's immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and other health problems. Adequate hydration, nutrition, and other supportive measures are important to maintain the patient's health and prevent complications.
- Altered fluid and electrolyte balance: Poisoning can disrupt the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance, leading to dehydration and imbalances in important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. Close monitoring of fluid and electrolyte levels is necessary to ensure proper management of these imbalances.
- Altered nutrition, less than body requirements: The patient may experience a decreased appetite, nausea, and vomiting, leading to malnutrition and inadequate intake of essential nutrients. Provision of adequate nutrition and hydration is important to support the patient's recovery and prevent complications.
- Impaired gas exchange: Poisoning can affect the patient's ability to exchange gases, leading to hypoxia and other respiratory problems. Monitoring of the patient's oxygen saturation and respiratory status is necessary to ensure adequate gas exchange and prevent complications.
- Altered comfort: The patient may experience discomfort and pain due to the toxic exposure and its effects on the body. Proper management of symptoms such as pain and nausea is important to ensure the patient's comfort and well-being.
- Altered tissue perfusion: Poisoning can affect the patient's circulation and tissue perfusion, leading to decreased oxygenation of vital organs and tissues. Monitoring of vital signs and pulse oximetry is necessary to ensure adequate tissue perfusion and prevent complications.
- Altered role performance: The patient may be unable to perform their usual activities and responsibilities due to the effects of poisoning. Provision of adequate rest and support for the patient and their family is important to facilitate recovery and prevent complications.
In conclusion, the nursing diagnoses for poisoning provide a comprehensive approach to caring for patients who have been exposed to toxic substances. Early identification and treatment of poisoning is important to prevent adverse outcomes and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.
