INTRODUCTION ● xxix

3. Defining Characteristics (“evidenced by”): This section in-

cludes signs and symptoms that may be evident to indicate that
the problem exists. Again, as with definitions and etiologies,
those not approved by NANDA are identified by brackets [ ].
4. Goals/Objectives: These statements are made in client behav-
ioral objective terminology. They are measurable, short- and
long-term goals, to be used in evaluating the effectiveness of
the nursing interventions in alleviating the identified problem.
There may be more than one short-term goal, and they may
be considered “stepping stones” to fulfillment of the long-term
goal. For purposes of this book, “long-term,” in most instances,
is designated as “by discharge from treatment,” whether the
client is in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
5. Interventions with Selected Rationales: Only those inter-
ventions that are appropriate to a particular nursing diagno-
sis within the context of the psychiatric setting are presented.
Rationales for selected interventions are included to provide
clarification beyond fundamental nursing knowledge, and to
assist in the selection of appropriate interventions for indi-
vidual clients. Important interventions related to communi-
cation may be identified with the icon.
6. Outcome Criteria: These are behavioral changes that can
be used as criteria to determine the extent to which the nurs-
ing diagnosis has been resolved.
To use this book in the preparation of psychiatric nursing
care plans, fi nd the section in the text applicable to the client’s
psychiatric diagnosis. Review background data pertinent to the
diagnosis, if needed. Complete a biopsychosocial history and as-
sessment on the client. Select and prioritize nursing diagnoses
appropriate to the client. Using the list of NANDA-approved
nursing diagnoses, be sure to include those that are client-
specific, and not just those that have been identified as “common”
to a particular medical diagnosis. Select nursing interventions
and outcome criteria appropriate to the client for each nursing
diagnosis identified. Include all of this information on the care
plan, along with a date for evaluating the status of each problem.
On the evaluation date, document success of the nursing inter-
ventions in achieving the goals of care, using the desired client
outcomes as criteria. Modify the plan as required.
Unit III deals with client populations with special psychiatric
nursing needs. These include victims of abuse or neglect, clients
with premenstrual dysphoric disorder or HIV disease, clients
who are homeless, and clients who are experiencing bereave-
ment. Topics related to forensic nursing, psychiatric home nurs-
ing care, and complementary therapies are also included.