Date of Award

Spring 1979

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nursing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explicate the defining characteristics of the broad nursing diagnosis category, Energy, Alterations in: Deficiencies. The researcher worked individually with five hospitalized clients in a Midwestern hospital using the qualitative methodology of participant-observer. The researcher's field notes were analyzed using ongoing and retrospective data analysis. The defining characteristics which were identified consisted of verbalizations of actual or perceived changes in energy levels which included references to past energy levels, references to present energy levels, expressions of hopelessness, and expressions of helplessness. Nonverbal responses to actual or perceived changes in energy levels consisted of changes in social involvement, weight loss and muscle wasting, and a decrease in activity tolerance. The excessive use of routing patterns and the use of others' basic mobility resources were also utilized by these clients in response to their decreased energy. Subcategories of the broad nursing diagnosis, Energy, Alterations in: Deficiencies, were identified as acute fatigue, chronic fatigue, and exhaustion. Specific clusters of nursing diagnoses which coexisted with Energy, Alterations in: Deficiencies, were identified as acute fatigue, chronic fatigue, and exhaustion. Specific clusters of nursing diagnoses which coexisted with Energy, Alterations in: Deficiencies were identified as anticipatory grieving, impairment of mobility, dysrhythm of sleep-rest, alterations in comfort, alterations in nutrition, alterations in self-care, and alterations in self-concept. The coexisting diagnoses were categorized into etiological factors contributing to alterations in energy and responses to decreased energy.

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