Concept Analysis of the Nursing Diagnosis of Impaired Spontaneous Ventilation in Critical Patients

Abstract

Introduction: In nursing practice, this concept has been identified in studies that address the nursing diagnosis of impaired spontaneous ventilation. Nursing performance facing this unwanted human re-sponse is considered essential for the maintenance and control of vital signs, cardiovascular monitoring, gas exchange and respiratory pat-tern, as well as constant surveillance aimed at signs of hypoventilation and inadequate ventilation. Objective: To analyze the concept of impaired spontaneous ventilation in critically ill patients in an intensive care unit. Methodology: This study is a concept analysis, according to Walker’s and Avant’s method, conducted using an integrative review. All the referential steps were followed: concept selection, determining the objectives and proposals for concept analysis, identifying the possible uses of the concept, determining the defining attributes, identifying a model case, identifying a contrary case, and identifying the precedents and consequences of the concept. Results: A sample of 38 studies was selected. The following were identified as attributes: distress and fatigue, respiratory distress, tachycardia, hemodynamic instability, altered mental status, abnormal arterial blood gas results, dyspnea, anxiety, agitation, sweating, hypoxemia and hypercapnia. An-tecedents: sex, age, oxygen saturation lower than 90%, diseases of the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, neuromus-cular, and metabolic systems, respiratory infections, trauma, poisons, toxins, and sedatives. Consequences: increased heart rate, decreased partial oxygen saturation, increased use of respiratory muscles, dys-pnea, increased metabolic rate and restlessness. The model case and the contrary case were used to illustrate the attributes, antecedents, and consequences. Conclusion: The study directed the strengthening of evidence about the phenomenon and demonstrated a strong occur-rence in patients who need assistance in intensive care units, thus de-manding critical care.