Types of Nursing Diagnoses

Analysis of the collected data leads the nurse to make a diagnosis in one of the following categories:
• Actual problems
• Potential problems (including those where risk factors exist and there are possible problems)
• Wellness conditions
• Collaborative problems
An actual nursing diagnosis indicates that a problem exists, and is composed of the diagnostic label, related factors, and signs and symptoms. An example of an actual diagnosis is: Impaired Skin Integrity related to prolonged pressure on bony prominence as manifested by (AMB) Stage II pressure ulcer over coccyx, 3 cm in diameter.
A risk nursing diagnosis (potential problem) indicates that a problem does not yet exist, but special risk factors are present. A risk diagnosis is composed of the diagnostic label preceded by the phrase “risk for,” with the specific risk factors listed. An example of a risk diagnosis is: Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity related to inability to turn self from side to side in bed.
A possible nursing diagnosis indicates a situation in which a problem could arise unless preventive action is taken. In addition, a possible diagnosis may state a “hunch” or intuition by the nurse that cannot be confirmed or eliminated until more data have been collected. A possible diagnosis is composed of the diagnostic label and related factors. An example of a possible diagnosis is: Possible Self-Esteem Disturbance related to recent retirement and relocation. The nurse may not yet have enough data to confirm this diagnosis or a more specific one. However, this diagnosis will alert other nurses to collect data that will either confirm this or another diagnosis, verify a risk diagnosis, or rule out
the existence of a problem.
A wellness nursing diagnosis indicates the client’s expression of a desire to attain a higher level of wellness in some area of function. It is composed of the diagnostic label preceded by the phrase “potential for enhanced.” For example a client who is neither overweight nor underweight tells the nurse that she knows she could improve her diet in some ways. She states that she eats only a small number of vegetables and fruits and thinks that the fat content of her diet is probably high. She expresses a desire to know more about how to improve her diet. The nurse would make a wellness diagnosis of Potential for Enhanced Nutrition.