Nursing Diagnosis for Anxiety

NANDA Definition: Vague uneasy feeling of discomfort or dread accompanied by an autonomic response (the source often nonspecific or unknown to the individual); a feeling of apprehension caused by anticipation of danger. It is an alerting signal that warns of impending danger and enables the individual to take measures to deal with the threat.

Anxiety is probably present at some level in every individual’s life, but the degree and the frequency with which it manifests differs broadly. Each individual’s response to anxiety is different. Some people are able to use the emotional edge that anxiety provokes to stimulate creativity or problem-solving abilities; others can become immobilized to a pathological degree. The feeling is generally categorized into four levels for treatment purposes: mild, moderate, severe, and panic. The nurse can encounter the anxious patient anywhere in the hospital or community. The presence of the nurse may lend support to the anxious patient and provide some strategies for traversing anxious moments or panic attacks.

NOC Outcomes (Nursing Outcomes Classification)
Suggested NOC Labels

* Anxiety Control
* Coping

NIC Interventions (Nursing Interventions Classification)
Suggested NIC Labels

* Anxiety Reduction
* Presence
* Calming Technique
* Emotional Support

* Defining Characteristics: Physiological:
o Increase in blood pressure, pulse, and respirations
o Dizziness, light-headedness
o Perspiration
o Frequent urination
o Flushing
o Dyspnea
o Palpitations
o Dry mouth
o Headaches
o Nausea and/or diarrhea
o Restlessness
o Pacing
o Pupil dilation
o Insomnia, nightmares
o Trembling
o Feelings of helplessness and discomfort
* Behavioral:
o Expressions of helplessness
o Feelings of inadequacy
o Crying
o Difficulty concentrating
o Rumination
o Inability to problem-solve
o Preoccupation

* Related Factors: Threat or perceived threat to physical and emotional integrity
* Changes in role function
* Intrusive diagnostic and surgical tests and procedures
* Changes in environment and routines
* Threat or perceived threat to self-concept
* Threat to (or change in) socioeconomic status
* Situational and maturational crises
* Interpersonal conflicts

* Expected Outcomes Patient is able to recognize signs of anxiety.
* Patient demonstrates positive coping mechanisms.
* Patient may describe a reduction in the level of anxiety experienced.

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