PROFILE OF NURSING DIAGNOSES IN A BRAZILIAN HOSPITAL SPECIALIZING IN PALLIATIVE CARE IN CANCER

Abstract

This study aimed to outline the nursing diagnosis profile during hospitalization in cancer palliative care and related nursing interventions. A cross-sectional, retrospective and quantitative approach, was performed in a palliative care specialized hospital, at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Records of 280 patients hospitalized between July and December 2010 comprised the sample. The prevalence of patients with high degree of dependence, impaired physical mobility, risk for and impaired skin integrity, risk for infection, imbalanced nutrition, fatigue, impaired oral mucous membrane and pain, was revealed. In general, knowledge of the profile of nursing diagnosis contributes to document the reality, based on a survey of the main problems presented by patients and their families. This profile shows the resources needed for adequate nursing care and is essential to the organization, planning and priority setting by nurses.