NURSING CARE PLAN(Modified from Townsend format, Example from page 334-5)

NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Imbalanced nutrition: risk for more than body requirementsRELATED TO: Use of food as coping mechanismEVIDENCED BY: Obese appearance and verbal expression of dysfunctional eating patternCLIENT STRENGTHS: Recognizes use of food as coping mechanism

OUTCOME CRITERIA NURSING INTERVENTIONS RATIONALE

The patient verbalizes actions required to lose weight.

Patient explores alternative healthy coping mechanisms

1. Document actual weight of patient

2. Assist client to set realistic weight loss goals.

3. Discuss the significance and meaning of food with patient

4. Explore alternative coping mechanisms with patient.

Examples: Identify triggers that precipitate the

coping mechanism Refer to therapeutic treatment Introduce mindfulness/meditation

5. Encourage exercise activity

Examples: Identify current level of activity Discuss benefits of exercise Identify exercise patient enjoys Provide positive reinforcement

1. To determine effectiveness of diet and exercise

2. Impractical goals set the client up for disappointment

3. Patient’s emotional state interferes with the ability to respond to internal cues vs. actual hunger

4. The patient can adopt a healthy alternative to using food as a coping mechanism for sadness and depression.

5. Patient may adhere to regular exercise routine if enjoyable.