Activity Intolerance and Impaired Physical Mobility in Elders

Abstract

PURPOSE: To clarify the use of two nursing diagnoses, activity intolerance and impaired physical mobility, with elderly patients. METHOD: Ninety-two elders from a long-term care facility in Wonju, Korea. A checklist developed by the researchers was used for data collection. FINDINGS: Defining characteristics from this study related to psychological components of activity intolerance are significant in differentiating between the two diagnoses. Using a decision-making tree based on data from this study, each nursing diagnosis can be correctly identified. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are significant in broadening the defining characteristics to be used in differentiating between two nursing diagnoses. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Clarification of nursing diagnoses serves to direct students and nurses to choosing appropriate interventions.