Pediatr. praxi. 2011;12(6):434-436

Nursing diagnosis of fear in children

Mgr.Lenka Mazalová, doc.PhDr.Jana Marečková, Ph.D., Mgr.Zdeňka Mikšová, Ph.D., Mgr.Jana Kameníčková

Fakulta zdravotnických věd Univerzity Palackého v Olomouci, Ústav ošetřovatelství

In childhood, illness and stay in hospital are often associated with fear. In this respect, it is necessary for a paediatric nurse to be able to

correctly assess and evaluate child’s situation. An important prerequisite for a qualified nursing assessment and diagnosis is to make use

of the standard nursing terminology international classification of nursing diagnoses NANDA-International (NANDA-Int.). To diagnose

nursing problems such as fear, NANDA–Int. currently includes the diagnosis Fear – 00148. An elaborate diagnostic tool – an algorithm

developed by Marečková, which implements the expressions of particular nursing diagnoses, can be used in nursing practice. A research

has been carried out based on the assumptions above with the aim to test the use of standardised terminology of nursing diagnostics

NANDA – Int. and the above mentioned diagnostic tool in a group of children aged 6–16, who were hospitalised in standard nursing

units. The objective was to find out whether the children presenting nursing diagnosis Fear – 00148 also showed the diagnostic elements

contained in the standardised classification nursing diagnoses NANDA – Int. The research proved 5 substantial diagnostic components

= 4 defining characteristics and 1 related factor. These five “presenting signs” in children can serve as the basis for assessment of fear

with children in nursing practice.

Keywords: fear, child, nursing diagnosis, NANDA

Published: December 10, 2011  Show citation