Osteomyelitis: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Bones may become prone to infection from trauma, surgery, ischemia, or bacteria from surrounding tissues. Osteomyelitis can result from a systemic bacterial infection that extends to the bones (sepsis or bacteremia). This form typically affects a child’s long bones, such as the femur or humerus. Adult cases of … Read more


Hypothyroidism: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough hormones. The thyroid is a small gland at the front of the neck that resembles a butterfly. Thyroid hormones regulate how the body uses energy, which impacts almost every organ in the body, including the heart rate. People with hypothyroidism can be … Read more


Pneumothorax: Nursing Diagnoses, Care Plans, Assessment & Interventions

Pneumothorax or collapsed lung is caused by air leaking into the pleural cavity. In a normal lung, negative pressure exists between the visceral and parietal pleura or the pleural space. This pleural space contains minimal fluid that serves as lubrication when the tissues move. When air enters the pleural space, changes to the pressure will … Read more


Clostridioides Difficile: Nursing Diagnoses, Care Plans, Assessment & Interventions

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), also known as C. difficile, is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria. The spores survive in unfavorable conditions and are easily transmitted through contact with objects and humans. C. difficile infection causes colitis and diarrhea. Nursing Process Since C. difficile infection is often related to a current antibiotic regimen that the patient is … Read more


Cardiomyopathy: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans

Cardiomyopathy is used to describe a disorder that affects the heart muscle. It is characterized by the thickening, stretching, and stiffening of the heart, affecting the ability of the heart to pump blood. Types of Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy can affect anyone at any age and may have no known cause. These are the three major types … Read more


Smoking: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans

Cigarette smoking, a leading cause of preventable death all over the world, affects nearly all organs in the body, results in various diseases, and reduces overall well-being.  Smoking can cause the following adverse health effects: Tobacco, which is the primary material used in cigarettes, contains toxic substances including carbon dioxide, nicotine, and tar. Carbon dioxide … Read more


Cancer: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans

Cancer, one of the leading causes of death in the world, is characterized by the unregulated or uncontrolled growth of cells that infiltrate and damage tissues and organs in the body. Symptoms of cancer can vary depending on which part of the body is affected. Some of the general signs of cancer include: Cancer cells … Read more


Peripheral Artery/Vascular Disease: Nursing Diagnoses, Care Plans, Assessment & Interventions

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), is a condition characterized by slow and progressive narrowing of the arteries of the extremities. This condition stems from structural damage in the blood vessels often caused by atherosclerosis when plaque blocks the flow of blood. Though PVD mainly affects the legs and feet, … Read more


Syncope: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans

Syncope is referred to as a brief lapse in consciousness causing fainting which is related to insufficient blood flow to the brain. Syncope is not usually a cause for concern but can be a warning sign for other illnesses. Common causes of syncope include the following: Syncope can be benign or a symptom of an … Read more


Placenta Previa: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans

Placenta previa is a condition in pregnancy characterized by the implantation of the placenta in the lower part of the uterus covering a part or all of the opening of the cervix. This condition can result in bleeding during pregnancy or during the delivery of the baby.  The placenta provides the growing fetus with nutrients … Read more