The patient weighs 204.5 kg (450 pounds) and complains of shortness of breath with any exertion.His health care provider has recommended that he begin an exercise program.He states that he can hardly get out of bed and just cannot do anything around the house.To focus on the cause of the patient's complaints,the nurse devises which of the following nursing diagnoses?

A) Activity intolerance related to excessive weight.
B) Activity intolerance related to bed rest.
C) Impaired gas exchange related to shortness of breath.
D) Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements.

Question

Aurora Smith · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  The diagnostic label directs nursing interventions.This requires the correct selection of related factors.For example,Activity intolerance related to excess weight requires very different interventions than if the related factor is prolonged bed rest.In this case,the intolerance is related to the patient's excessive weight.He is not on bed rest,although he states that it is difficult for him to get out of bed.Shortness of breath is a symptom,not a cause,of Impaired gas exchange,and so this nursing diagnosis is not applicable.The patient certainly has an imbalance of nutrition,but it is more than body requirements.

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