Can ICNP® be used in the nursing care of a patient with pneumonia?

Introduction. The international standard for nursing terminology included in the ICNP®, recommended by many organizations and associations, can be used in the daily professional practice to facilitate the nurses’ selection of appropriate diagnoses and nursing interventions.

Aim. The aim of the study is an attempt to show the possibilities of using the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®) in the nursing care of patients with pneumonia. Pneumonia is an inflammatory process located within lung tissue situated peripherally in relation to the terminal bronchiole, leading to the accumulation of inflammatory cells and an exudate within alveoli, interalveolar septa and/or in the interstitial lung tissue. Usually, patients experience: cough, shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, and systemic symptoms: fever, chills, tachycardia, increased sweating, muscle and joint pain, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Common nursing problems/diagnoses in the group of patients with pneumonia are: dyspnea, impaired respiratory system process, impaired airway clearance, fever, lack of appetite, risk for hypovolemia, lack of knowledge about the disease.

Summary. The International Classification for Nursing Practice contains the most basic terms describing nursing diagnoses and interventions that are crucial in providing nursing care to patients with pneumonia.