NURSING CARE PLAN

PROBLEM: Disturbed body image

NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Disturbed body image related to situational changes secondary to disease process.
CAUSE ANALYSIS: Body image is the attitude a person has about the actual or perceived structure or function of all parts of his or her body. As an
important part of ones self-concept, body image disturbance can have a profound impact on how individuals view their overall selves (NCP by Gulanick, p.
21). During the development of h-mole, a womans abdomen is enlarged. Due to the physical & actual change in the structure of the body part, an
individuals self-concept may be disturbed.
CUES
OBJECTIVES
NURSING INTERVENTIONS
RATIONALE
EVALUATION
SUBJECTIVE:
SHORT-TERM OBJECTIVE:
INDEPENDENT:
After 4 hours of nursing
- Assess perception of change in
-The extent of response is more
interventions, patient will
structure or function of body
related to the value/
verbalize or express feelings part.
importance the patient places
about self and acknowledge
on the part or function than the
changes in body image.
actual value or importance.
OBJECTIVE:
-Actual change in
structure/ function
-Change in social behavior

LONG-TERM OBJECTIVE:
After 3 days of nursing
intervention, the patient will
demonstrate enhanced
body image and self-esteem
as evidenced by ability to
talk about and care for
actual or perceived altered
body part or function.

-Assess perceived impact of

change on activities of daily
living, social behavior, personal
relations and occupational
activities.

-Changes in body image can

have impact on the persons
ability to carry out daily roles
and activities.

-Help patient identify actual

changes.

-Patients may perceive changes

that are not present or real, or
they place an unrealistic value
on a body structure or function.

-Encourage verbalization of
positive or negative feelings
about the actual or perceived
change.

REFERENCE: NCP by Gulanick p.21-22; Nursing diagnosis and reference manual, p. 40-41

-It is worthwhile to encourage

the patient separate feelings
about changes in body
structure and/or function from
feelings of self-worth.
Expression of feelings can
enhance the persons coping
strategies.