FREE nursing care plan examples (NCP) for various conditions and situations. We cover assessments, interventions, pathophysiology, and goals in our comprehensive database. All our care plans are written by experienced nurses or nurse educators using NANDA guidelines.
Hyperglycemia, a condition that is often associated with diabetes, means high blood glucose. This condition occurs when the body is not able to use insulin properly. A blood glucose level over 125 mg/dL may be considered hyperglycemic while fasting, and over 180 mg/dL after eating. Causes and Complications Hyperglycemia may be caused by various conditions … Read more
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a type of retrovirus that causes immunosuppression. HIV progresses to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) when the virus has severely damaged the immune system, and the body can no longer fight off infections. There currently is no cure for HIV, but medication can help patients live a healthy life with a … Read more
Dyspnea, often called shortness of breath (SOB), describes difficult or labored breathing, often with an increased respiratory rate. Shortness of breath is the feeling of running out of breath and not being able to breathe in and out deeply or quickly enough. Someone may describe it as being unable to “catch their breath.” Dyspnea is … Read more
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative condition caused by the loss of dopamine, which disrupts the suppression of excitatory impulses and causes the extrapyramidal system to malfunction. It is a chronic, disabling condition that worsens over time. Falls, poor self-care, dysfunctional body systems, and depression can result from debilitation. Although the exact cause of Parkinson’s … Read more
In order to function properly, the body requires several electrolytes, one of which is potassium (Latin: kalium). The majority of potassium is stored in the intracellular compartment. While some can be found in the bones, liver, and red blood cells, 98% is found in the muscle cells. Potassium regulates fluid and facilitates muscular contraction and … Read more
A wound is any skin breakdown or tissue injury that disrupts structural integrity and leads to functional loss. Compromised integrity of the skin, mucous membranes, or organs can result in a wound and infection. Wounds may be acute or chronic as well as closed (under the skin’s surface such as with hematomas) or open due … Read more
Myocardial infarction (MI) is commonly referred to as a “heart attack”. Myocardial ischemia is inadequate perfusion to the myocardium that occurs from a partial or complete blockage of blood and oxygen to the heart. The major cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease. In an emergency, as the cells lose oxygen, ischemia (reduced … Read more
Sodium (Latin: natrium) is an electrolyte that helps maintain the volume and concentration of extracellular fluid and affects water distribution between intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid. It is vital in the generation and transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contractility, and the regulation of acid-base balance. The ratio of sodium to water is reflected by the … Read more
Acute respiratory failure occurs when there is inadequate oxygenation, ventilation (carbon dioxide elimination), or both. It can be classified as hypoxemic or hypercapnic. Hypoxemic respiratory failure describes inadequate oxygen exchange between the pulmonary capillaries and the alveoli. The partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) will be less than 60 mmHg with a normal or low … Read more
Hip fractures refer to a fracture or break in the proximal or upper third of the femur, extending to 5 cm below the lesser trochanter. This is common in older adults and usually results from direct trauma or a fall. Hip fractures are classified into different types: Signs and symptoms of hip fractures include muscle … Read more